Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice
A flavorful chicken dish paired with a spicy, seasoned rice inspired by San Francisco’s Mission burrito staples. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each). In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Rub the spice blend evenly over both chicken breasts.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer rice for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Step 5: Remove rice from heat and gently fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded for less heat), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 2 tbsp chopped green onions until evenly mixed.
- Step 6: Slice rested chicken into strips and serve atop the spicy Mission-style burrito rice for a vibrant, balanced meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mission-Style Burrito Rice?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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.
