One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro
A quick and flavorful one-pot meal where chicken thighs are simmered with rice, tomatoes, and spices for a comforting Mexican-inspired dinner. This mexican-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown chicken thighs skin side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 medium diced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice and 3 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, skin side up. Cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over each portion.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Tomato and Cilantro?
Mexican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
