Best 8 Mexican Chicken And Rice Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Mexican chicken and rice salad is a flavorful and colorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With its combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it is a delicious and satisfying meal. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice, making it an economical and easy-to-prepare dish. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating the perfect Mexican chicken and rice salad, so that you can enjoy this delicious and healthy meal at home.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE



Mexican Chicken and Rice image

Healthy one-pot Mexican chicken and rice skillet with black beans and cheese. An easy, crowd-pleaser recipe for weeknight dinners!

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Main Course

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
1 small yellow onion (chopped)
2 small jalapenos (or 1 large jalapeno, core and seeds discarded, diced)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 can black beans ((15 ounces), rinsed and drained)
1 cup long or medium-grain brown rice
1 can diced tomatoes in their juices ((15 ounces))
3 medium green onions (chopped)
Optional

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium to high heat. Once hot and shimmering, swirl to coat the pan, then add the chicken, onion, jalapeno, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned and the onion is beginning to soften. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken and cook 30 seconds. Add the black beans and rice. Stir to coat once more.
  • Add the diced tomatoes in their juices and 1 1/2 cups water. Stir to combine the ingredients. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, then reduce the heat and let simmer 30 minutes. Remove the lid and stir, scraping up any rice that has started to stick to the bottom of the pot. Re-cover and continue to let simmer with the lid on until the rice is tender, 10 to 20 additional minutes, stirring the pot every 10 minutes or so to prevent sticking. If the rice begins to dry out, add a bit more liquid.
  • Stir in the green onions. Serve warm with any other desired toppings.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 (of 4), Calories 531 kcal, Carbohydrate 74 g, Protein 39 g, Fat 9 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 73 mg, Fiber 14 g, Sugar 6 g, UnsaturatedFat 6 g

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD



Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad image

I came up with this when I had leftover rice and hadn't eaten dinner yet. It turned out so good I had to share it. Use leftover chicken or grill a breast. Serve warm or cold.

Provided by Heather Finn-Brady

Categories     Salad     Grains     Rice Salad Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups salsa
1 (15.25 ounce) can sweet corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted, and cut into cubes
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Steps:

  • Mix rice, salsa, corn, beans, chicken, avocado, and cilantro together in a bowl.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.3 calories, Carbohydrate 105.8 g, Cholesterol 12.2 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 13.1 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 1019.1 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

MEXICAN RICE SALAD



Mexican Rice Salad image

Ruth Bianchi from Apple Valley, Minnesota notes, "The recipe for this delicious, colorful salad has been in my family for years. My mother used to bring it to many different functions, and I'm carrying on her tradition."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-1/3 cups water
2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 package (16 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
1 cup salted peanuts
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
2/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
1/2 to 1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring water and rice to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Rinse rice with cold water and drain. Place in a large bowl. , In a small skillet, saute the green pepper, onion and carrot in oil until crisp-tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add to rice. Stir in the corn, beans, tomatoes, peanuts and cilantro. , In a small bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, cayenne and cumin. Pour over rice mixture; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 calories, Fat 20g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 124mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN & RICE SALAD



Southwest Chicken & Rice Salad image

Fun and different, this summery salad has a subtle smoky flavor that really says "Southwest." The grilled corn adds an especially nice touch.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium ears sweet corn
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed

Steps:

  • Remove and discard corn husks and silk. Brush 1 tablespoon oil over ears of corn. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Cut corn from cobs. , In a large bowl, combine the chicken, red pepper, jalapenos, cilantro and corn. , In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, garlic, chili powder, salt, pepper and remaining oil; pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. , Cook rice according to package directions; cool. Just before serving, stir rice and avocados into salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 calories, Fat 12g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 22mg cholesterol, Sodium 204mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

MEXICAN CHICKEN AND RICE



Mexican Chicken and Rice image

Give rice a new twist with Mexican flavors everyone will love.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package Old El Paso™ original taco seasoning mix
6 large chicken drumsticks
1 large Beefsteak tomato
1 small Vidalia onion
3 garlic cloves
2 cups long grain uncooked rice
1 can (7 ounces) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles
1/2 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 cups of water
Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime, wedges (optional)
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Season chicken drumsticks with 1/2 packet of taco seasoning mix.
  • Sear chicken drumsticks on a medium high heat skillet with just a touch of oil. Once chicken is brown all around, set chicken aside.
  • On a food processor or blender, blend tomato, onion, and garlic. Add this into a large skillet, over medium high heat and let it cook for a minute or two.
  • Keep adding the rest of the ingredients to the pan: rice, chiles, corn, peas, and the remainder taco seasoning mix. Stir well and cook for a minute or two. Adjust salt level to taste.
  • Add water and bring to a boil.
  • Place chicken on top of the rice.
  • Cover well, and cook on low for 20-25 minutes until rice has absorbed all of the liquid.
  • Serve with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a good squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 66 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 480 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

MEXICAN-INSPIRED CHICKEN THIGH AND RICE SKILLET



Mexican-Inspired Chicken Thigh and Rice Skillet image

A complete dinner, with chicken, rice, and vegetables, in less than an hour? Yes! This colorful and nutritious one-pan dinner can be on your table quickly on a busy weeknight. Bonus: This is a stovetop recipe, so you don't have to turn on the oven! You can prepare a salad during the cooking time and heat up some bread, or tortillas, if you wish!

Provided by Bibi

Categories     Chicken Thighs

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
½ medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (such as RO*TEL®), liquid drained and reserved
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup water
1 ½ cups frozen green peas, thawed

Steps:

  • Combine salt, granulated garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over both sides of chicken thighs.
  • Combine butter and olive oil in a deep-sided, 11-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; cook until butter is melted and foamy. Swirl the butter and oil together and place chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook until just brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan with tongs and set aside. Keep warm.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the onion starts to turn translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in rice and chili powder; cook and stir until rice begins to pick up some color, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in drained tomatoes and garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add reserved tomato liquid, chicken broth, and water; bring to a boil. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Place browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture; do not submerge. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Remove cover, increase heat to medium, and gently stir in thawed peas. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 425.6 calories, Carbohydrate 49.3 g, Cholesterol 76.2 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 26.4 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 722 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND RICE SALAD



Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Salad image

Make and share this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Dona England

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon coarsly ground pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups cooked long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken breasts
1/2 cup drained diced bottled roasted red pepper
1/4 cup pitted ripe olives, drained and halved
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

Steps:

  • Combine vinegar,olive oil, pepper and minced garlic in a small bowl.
  • Set dressing aside.
  • Combine rice and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Add dressing.
  • Stir until well blended.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.8, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 44.1, Sodium 680.4, Carbohydrate 46.9, Fiber 7, Sugar 1.1, Protein 22.8

MEXICAN RICE SALAD



Mexican Rice Salad image

Probably one of the best meals you'll ever have. I can't get enough of this! Learned it from a good friend and added my own modifications. You can use the rice for other Mexican dishes too. Don't be scared about cooking time, most of it you can be out of the kitchen for, and trust me, it's completely worth it!

Provided by JenniJae5

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/2 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves (diced or pressed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups brown rice
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
5 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons chicken broth, powder
4 limes, juiced
3 teaspoons chili powder (do it to taste)
black beans (Bush's preferred)
salsa (Pace medium)
sliced olive
chopped avocado
low-fat plain yogurt
shredded cheddar cheese
red leaf lettuce (Romaine works too)
crushed tortilla chips (Hint of Lime preferred)

Steps:

  • Sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until onions become tender. Add rice, sautee until rice becomes opaque but not browned.
  • Add water, tomato sauce, chicken broth, lime juice, and chili powder. (I like mine with more chili flavor, so I probably get closer to a tbsp, but if you add it and smell the rice mix I think you can tell about where it's at. I also add garlic powder if the garlic isn't strong enough).
  • Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low for 50 minutes (my stove is a scale of 1-10 for heat, I do a 3).
  • Do NOT remove the cover until time is up or you'll ruin the steam build up and it will take LONGER to cook. Depending on weather and altitude sometimes 50 minutes is perfect, sometimes it takes longer. If rice hasn't absorbed liquid, just add 5 minutes and check, repeat until absorbed.
  • Once the rice is finished, add the rest of the ingredients. This is my preferred order:.
  • Rice, Black Beans, Salsa, Olives, Avocados, Yogurt, Cheese, Lettuce, Crushed chips.
  • *NOTES: You can use whatever tortilla chips you want, Hint of Lime gives it an extra kick. Also, if you use white rice instead, amount of water is 3 cups and cooking time is about 20 min--it's just that brown rice tastes better and is healthier. I'd do the other prep work (cutting avocados, preparing lettuce) while the rice is cooking. Toppings are to taste, but for me they add an additional 450 calories/serving, so probably about 700-800 calories/serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 280.5, Fat 4.4, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 232.2, Carbohydrate 56.4, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 3.4, Protein 6.1

Tips:

  • Cook the rice ahead of time. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and nutrients to your salad.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is always a good option, but you could also try a creamy dressing or a salsa-based dressing.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the salad. You can cook the chicken in a skillet, in the oven, or on the grill.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. This salad is best when served fresh, but it will also keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Mexican chicken and rice salad is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying salad that the whole family will enjoy.

Related Topics