Delicious One Pot Mexican Chicken for Easy Dinners

Name: Delicious One Pot Mexican Chicken for Easy Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Cumin powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 4 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on; 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing); 2 tablespoons Lime juice (fresh); 1 small Onion, peeled and diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Red capsicum (bell pepper), diced or sliced; 1 cup Long grain rice, uncooked; 3 cups Chicken stock/broth, low sodium; 1 cup Tomato passata; 1 cup Frozen corn kernels; 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 whole Lime; 1/4 cup Coriander/cilantro (fresh, chopped); 1 optional Sliced jalapeño peppers (for spice)

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

Jump to Recipe

One Pot Mexican Chicken is a delightful dish that satisfies cravings for bold flavors and comfort food. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with vibrant spices and wholesome ingredients, all cooked together in one pot. It’s the ultimate easy dinner that brings the essence of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful family dinner, this dish delivers both simplicity and taste.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Mexican Chicken

This One Pot Mexican Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

It’s a complete meal cooked in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
The rich, Mexican spices infuse the chicken and rice, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
It’s an easy one pot Mexican chicken dish that can be ready in under an hour.
This recipe is customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level.
Perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.
It’s a healthy option, featuring lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables.

This recipe is classified as a Dinner and follows a Gluten Free diet, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs.

Ingredients for One Pot Mexican Chicken

Gather these items:

1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Cumin powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
4 pieces Chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
2 tablespoons Olive oil (for searing)
2 tablespoons Lime juice (fresh)
1 small Onion, peeled and diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Red capsicum (bell pepper), diced or sliced
1 cup Long grain rice, uncooked
3 cups Chicken stock/broth, low sodium
1 cup Tomato passata
1 cup Frozen corn kernels
1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed
1 whole Lime
1/4 cup Coriander/cilantro (fresh, chopped)
1 optional Sliced jalapeño peppers (for spice)

How to Make One Pot Mexican Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160° fan).
Step 2: Mix the garlic powder, paprika, cumin powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the Mexican spice mix.
Step 3: Combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of the Mexican Spice Mix with olive oil and lime juice in a large bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in this flavorful paste to coat them well.
Step 4: Marinate the chicken for an optional hour or overnight if you have time.
Step 5: Sear the chicken in a large deep skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the skin side for 4 minutes until light golden, then the flesh side for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove the chicken onto a plate.
Step 6: Sauté the onion, garlic, and capsicum in the same skillet for about 3 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 7: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well. Pour in the chicken stock, tomato passata, corn, beans, and the remaining Mexican Spice Mix, then stir to combine everything beautifully.
Step 8: Arrange the seared chicken on top of the rice, skin side up. Simmer the mixture for a moment before covering the skillet with a lid or foil.
Step 9: Place it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 10: Uncover the skillet and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 11: Rest the skillet for 10 minutes uncovered after removing it from the oven.
Step 12: Finish by squeezing the juice of the lime over the chicken and rice. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve it garnished with fresh coriander/cilantro, extra lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños if you like some spice!

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Mexican Chicken

Keep these in mind:

This recipe serves a flavorful and filling meal.
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
For best results, allow the chicken to marinate longer.
Consider using a mix of brown and white rice for added texture and nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Mexican Chicken

Pair this dish with:

Fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty flavor.
Guacamole or avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
Chips and salsa for added crunch and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Mexican Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed. This makes for a fantastic meal prep option, ensuring you have delicious lunches ready to go!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Mexican Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Mexican Chicken?

The secret lies in the marination of the chicken. Allowing it to soak in the spices and lime juice enhances the flavor, making it tender and juicy. For a great One Pot Mexican Chicken experience, don’t skip this step!

Can I make One Pot Mexican Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or dinner parties.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Mexican Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken and let it rest after baking. This helps maintain juiciness and ensures even cooking. Follow the One Pot Mexican Chicken recipe closely for the best results!

Variations of One Pot Mexican Chicken You Can Try

Here are some creative twists to explore:

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Incredible homemade One Pot Mexican Chicken ready in minutes

For more tips on meal prep, check out our meal prep guide!

Delicious One Pot Mexican Chicken for Easy Dinners - One Pot Mexican Chicken - additional detail

For more information on healthy eating, visit Healthline.

To learn more about the benefits of spices, check out this study on spices.

For additional recipes, visit our recipe collection.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia