Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet. A vibrant one-pan meal that promises to excite your taste buds and satisfy your family’s appetite. This dish features succulent, oven-baked chicken, fresh, colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, all generously topped with melted cheddar cheese. To elevate the nutritional profile and reduce the carbohydrates from traditional jasmine rice, we’ve incorporated riced cauliflower. This additional also adds a fresh taste and texture.
Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet Nutrients
While the name might suggest indulgence, hear me out. This recipe is brimming with wholesome ingredients that provide a wealth of nutrients. Each component not only enhances flavor but also contributes beneficial properties to the dish.
- Chicken – A lean source of protein. It is packed with B vitamins and essential minerals like phosphorus and selenium to support overall health.
- Onion – This root vegetable delivers a strong dose of vitamin C and B6, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
- Jalapeño – A zesty kick comes from jalapeños. They are known for their high vitamin C content, vitamin A, and capsaicin, which boasts powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Bell Pepper – Bursting with color, these peppers are a fantastic source of both vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, they contain fiber that promotes digestive health.
- Garlic – Not only does garlic elevate the flavor profile, but it also offers allicin, an antimicrobial compound. Vitamin C and B6 offer benefits such as enhanced immunity.
- Cauliflower – By adding riced cauliflower into the mix, we significantly reduce the amount of jasmine rice. This lowers the carbohydrate intake while enriching the dish with fiber, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants.
- Jasmine Rice – Jasmine rice provides essential carbohydrates for energy, plus a bit of B vitamins for metabolic support.
- Taco Seasoning – A mix of spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika not only enhances flavor but also brings a boost of antioxidants to the Tex Mex skillet.
- Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes contribute vibrant color. They are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known to support heart health.
- Cheddar Cheese – Finally, the crowning touch of real cheddar cheese adds a rich creaminess alongside valuable calcium, protein, and vitamin B12.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
The Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet is a breeze to whip up, making it an excellent choice for any busy weeknight dinner. With a preparation time of under an hour and only one skillet plus a sheet pan needed, cleanup is quick and hassle-free. This recipe yields an impressive six generous servings, ideal for large families or meal preparation. To enjoy later, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to five days. Additionally, if you’re looking to extend the life of this tasty dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and savor it for up to three months.
If you find yourself loving this delicious recipe for Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet, you’re in for a treat—there’s a world of flavors waiting for you to explore!
Cheesy Tex Mex Skillet
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breasts (seasoned lightly with garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper)
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion, diced
- 1 Jalapeño, diced
- 1/2 cup Bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 12 oz Riced cauliflower, steamed
- 1/2 cup Jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning
- 2 cups Diced tomatoes
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Bake the seasoned chicken for 20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 165℉ in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
- Remove from the oven, cover and allow the chicken to cool.
- Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions, jalapeño, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened slightly.
- Stir in the riced cauliflower, rice, and taco seasoning. Briefly frying to lightly toast the rice.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and chicken. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan.
- Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle on the cheese and serve immediately.