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We love the versatility of these flavors. Adding beans stretches the meal further and adds fiber? Yes, please! Piles of vegetables and protein all in one dish? Thank you! This Chicken Burrito Rice combines chicken, veggies, rice, spices, and stock, all cooked together in about 40-50 minutes. Simple as that.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Rice Recipe
- ⭐️ One Full Meal: No need for side dishes; everything is in the pan.
- ⭐️ Fast and Ultra Easy: Minimal prep time and simple assembly.
- ⭐️ Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
A Tip on Cooking Rice in the Oven
When cooking rice with stock in the oven, you must keep an eye on it. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add extra stock. While the cooking times below are accurate based on our testing, they are a guide. Your oven or baking dish material (ceramic takes longer than metal) may affect the result. Prioritize how the rice looks and feels over the clock!
For another comforting one-pan rice dish with a different flavor profile, try our Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic-Ginger Broth and Rice.
Chicken Burrito Rice Ingredients
- Chicken: This recipe uses 400g of breast, sliced. You can cut them yourself or buy pre-cut strips to save time.
- Vegetables: Red onion, red pepper, and canned sweet corn add color and crunch.
- Black Beans: Drain and rinse them thoroughly first to remove excess sodium.
- Chopped Tomatoes: A good quality tin makes all the difference to the sauce base.
- Fajita Flavor: Use a store-bought packet mix or homemade herbs and spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder).
- Rice: We use Basmati rice for this recipe. The cooking times are based on white Basmati. Brown rice will take significantly longer. Always rinse and drain rice before cooking.
- Hot Stock: Vegetable or chicken stock works well. Ensure it is hot when adding to help the cooking process.
- Cheese: Grated cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend works too.
- Seasoning: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garnish: Fresh chopped coriander (cilantro) adds freshness at the end.
If you are craving traditional handheld burritos, check out our recipe for Burritos with Canned Creamed Corn for a unique and delicious variation.
For more tips on perfecting your rice dishes, check out this comprehensive guide from Serious Eats.
Storage and Reheating
In the Fridge: You can keep this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: You can freeze this dish. Wait until it is completely cold, then transfer to a freezer-proof container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or on the hob. It may need a splash of water to rehydrate the rice.
Food Safety: Be sure to follow food safety guidelines for cooked rice. Do not leave it at room temperature for long periods. Cool it quickly and reheat until piping hot before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
Dump and Bake recipes are perfect for low-energy days, but you can prep even further ahead. Chop all vegetables and chicken and place them in the baking dish (except the liquid). Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add the hot stock and proceed with the recipe. Note that cooking time may need to be extended slightly if the ingredients are cold from the fridge.
Love the convenience of sheet pan and dump-and-bake meals? Don’t miss our Sweet Potato Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sheet Pan for an effortless morning option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stir the rice halfway through?
Yes! Stirring halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom. It’s also the perfect time to check liquid levels. If it looks dry, add a splash more stock.
Can I use brown rice?
You can, but brown rice takes much longer to cook (often 45-60 minutes). You will likely need to increase the amount of stock and cover the dish tightly to ensure it steams properly. White Basmati or Long Grain rice is recommended for this quick method.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable stock. You can add extra beans or some firm tofu for protein.
Chicken Burrito Rice Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C fan / 200°C conventional (400°F / Gas Mark 6).
- Mix all the ingredients, except the cheddar cheese, together in a large baking dish. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Pour the hot stock over the mixture. Ensure the rice is fully submerged. If needed, add more stock. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, carefully remove the foil, and stir well. Check the liquid; if it seems dry, add a little more stock. Cover again with foil.
- Bake for another 10-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C/165°F).
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top, and place under a hot grill (broiler) for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and serve immediately.
Let me know how you got on and what you thought of this recipe! Please rate the recipe using the stars below. I also LOVE to see your cooking creations. If you’d like to share yours, tag me on Instagram (@spoonrecipes).