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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that checks the boxes for being gluten-free and dairy-free, this Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is the perfect recipe for you! Packed with tender chicken thighs, fragrant jasmine rice, colorful veggies, and zesty taco seasoning, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prep.

Not only is this skillet meal delicious and satisfying, but it also comes together with minimal effort. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite toppings like guacamole, jalapenos, or even corn tortilla chips for added crunch. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

This recipe serves 4 and is divided into two parts: the chicken and the rice with veggies.

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
3 tablespoons avocado oil

For the Rice and Veggies:

1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup white jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Zest of ½ lime
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 ½ cups chicken broth
¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves (plus extra for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

Guacamole
Sour cream (omit for dairy-free)
Corn tortilla chips
Sliced jalapenos

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This will ensure everything is ready to bake once your skillet is prepped.

2. Cook the Chicken

Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with kosher salt and taco seasoning.

Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear until golden brown on each side, about 3 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through—it will finish cooking in the oven later. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

3. Start the Rice and Veggies

Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook while stirring occasionally until the veggies are tender, about 4 minutes.

Next, stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, kosher salt, and taco seasoning. Toast the rice by cooking it with the veggies for about 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly browned.

4. Add Flavorful Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth, lime zest, and lime juice. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves to infuse the dish with fresh, zesty flavors. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

5. Bake Until Perfect

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and carefully transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, uncover the skillet and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165℉).

6. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

To serve, spoon generous portions of chicken and rice onto plates. Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, sliced jalapenos, sour cream (if not dairy-free), or corn tortilla chips for some extra crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple cooking techniques. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Customizable: Adjust the toppings or spice level to suit your preferences.
Nutritious & Balanced: Packed with protein from chicken thighs, fiber from veggies, and carbs from jasmine rice, this dish offers a well-rounded meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make this ahead of time and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

Rinse Your Rice: Rinsing jasmine rice removes excess starch, ensuring your rice doesn’t turn gummy or clump together.
Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken locks in flavor and gives it a beautiful golden crust before baking.
Fresh Lime Is Key: The lime zest and juice add brightness to balance out the richness of the chicken and savory spices.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own but can be paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables for an even heartier meal. If you’re entertaining guests, set up a DIY taco skillet bar with all the optional toppings so everyone can customize their plate!

Final Thoughts

The Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet is proof that you don’t need complicated recipes or endless ingredients to create something truly delicious. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy preparation method, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this one-pan wonder is sure to impress. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Happy cooking!

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Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet