One-Pot Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty one-pot dish blending tender chicken, smoky roasted poblano peppers, and vibrant Tex-Mex flavors in fluffy rice. This mexican-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium poblano peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven broiler on high. Place 2 medium poblano peppers on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until skins are blackened and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While poblanos steam, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 diced medium onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Peel and seed the roasted poblanos, then dice them finely. Add the diced poblanos to the pot along with 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the rice and combine flavors.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano, then pour in 3 cups chicken broth. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing on top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano?

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 Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano?

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 Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano 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 Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice with Roasted Poblano?

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.