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Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or parties. Enjoy tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cheese in every bite.
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Fiesta Chicken is a mouthwatering dish bursting with vibrant flavors and cheesy goodness. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the detailed guide below. We include step-by-step photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks. Check out our FAQs section for answers to the most commonly asked questions about this delicious dish.
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Fiesta Chicken takes just 30 minutes to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a fun party dish. The combination of tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cheese creates an irresistible flavor. Serve it at dinner, potlucks, or special occasions, and watch everyone ask for seconds. This recipe stands out because it’s quick, easy, and packed with deliciousness.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Fiesta Chicken Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups of white rice
- 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup of Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, sliced or diced avocado, plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime wedges
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your Fiesta Chicken recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your dish uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Change the Base: Serve over rice or quinoa, or in tortillas for a fun twist.
Substitute Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a different protein in your Fiesta Chicken.
Substitute Cheese: Swap cheddar with pepper jack for an extra spicy kick.
Add Veggies: Include bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more color and nutrition.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
How to Make Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta Chicken is a tasty and easy dish that everyone will love. Follow our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips below. Let's get started!
FIRST STEP: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook them until they are browned on the outside. This should take about three minutes.
SECOND STEP: Add the minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, onion powder, and kosher salt and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for two minutes until the onions are softened, and the spices are fragrant.
THIRD STEP: Stir in the bell peppers, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, white rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
Pro Tip
Rinse the black beans under cold water before adding them to the skillet. This removes excess sodium and starch, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
FOURTH STEP: Cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Be sure to adjust the cooking time of the rice according to the package instructions.
FIFTH STEP: Once cooked, taste it and adjust the seasonings if you like.
Pro Tip
To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
SIXTH STEP: Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the top of the fiesta chicken and cover the skillet again. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
SEVENTH STEP: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with optional toppings.
How to Serve Fiesta Chicken
You can serve this tasty recipe at family dinners, potlucks, or parties. Kids and adults both love its cheesy, flavorful goodness. Perfect for any season, this dish is a hit all year round!
- Family Dinner: This chicken makes a quick, delicious weeknight dinner. Pair it with rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Potluck Party: This dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve it with tortilla chips and taco dip for a fun, festive spread.
- Special Occasions: Impress guests with Fiesta Chicken at your next Cinco de Mayo celebration. Complement it with fried corn for a festive feast, and finish the meal with margarita popsicles for an extra fun treat!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Fiesta Recipe
Fiesta Chicken is more than just a meal—it's a beloved favorite for several delightful reasons:
- Bursting with Flavor: This recipe combines juicy chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cheese for a taste sensation. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, making it irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, Fiesta Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice and a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, parties, and special occasions, Fiesta Chicken always gets rave reviews. Pair it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and margaritas for a fun, festive spread.
This yummy chicken dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a fiesta in every bite that brings joy to any occasion.
Cooking FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Fiesta Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Can I cook Chicken Fiesta in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
How do I keep the chicken moist and tender?
To keep the chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve Fiesta Chicken at a party?
Serve this dish on a large platter with extra sauce on the side for easy sharing and dipping.
Can I serve Fiesta Chicken as a taco filling?
Yes, it makes a delicious taco filling. Just shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas.
How do I serve Fiesta Lime Chicken for a family dinner?
For a family dinner, serve over rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Can I serve Fiesta Chicken as a main course?
Absolutely, it's perfect as a main course. Pair it with simple Mexican-inspired sides or a green salad.
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your Fiesta Chicken recipe. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered.
Can I prepare Fiesta Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day.
What's the best way to store leftover Fiesta Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze Fiesta Chicken?
While freshest is best, you can freeze cooked Fiesta Chicken in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen Fiesta Chicken?
Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
How should I reheat Fiesta Chicken when ready to serve?
Reheat the chicken and sauce together. You can reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat.
Can I reheat Fiesta Chicken in the microwave?
Yes, for quick reheating, use the microwave in 30-second increments, but be careful not to overcook.
Fiesta Chicken
Fiesta Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or parties. Enjoy tender chicken, zesty spices, and creamy cheese in every bite.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper (cored and chopped)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (cored)
- 15 ounces black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 15 ounces whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup Mexican blend cheese
- Optional toppings chopped fresh cilantro ( jalapeño slices, sliced or diced avocado, plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime wedges)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook them until they are browned on the outside. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, diced onion, smoked paprika, onion powder, and kosher salt and pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until the onions are softened, and the spices are fragrant.
- Stir in the bell peppers, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, white rice, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be sure to adjust the cooking time of the rice according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, taste it and adjust the seasonings if you like. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese over the top of the Fiesta Chicken and cover the skillet again. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve the Fiesta Chicken warm, garnished with optional toppings and side dishes like chopped fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, corn chips, jalapeño slices, picante sauce, fresh pico de gallo, green chilis sliced or diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt (or sour cream), cream cheese, tortilla chips, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
- Rinse the black beans under cold water before adding them to the skillet. This removes excess sodium and starch, allowing their natural flavors to shine through.
- To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe and perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Nutrition
Calories: 794kcal | Carbohydrates: 106g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 1.166mg | Potassium: 1.261mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1.091IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 349mg | Iron: 6mg
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