and its all done in one pot.
Readers also tell me they love that its finished in the oven.
No need to worry about scorching the base of the pot.
Marinating the chicken in the Fajita spice mix.
No stirring or watching to ensure it doesnt bubble over.
Its entirely hands off.
Plus, its Mexican flavoured.
Everybody loves Mexican food, right!??
And look proof of juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
No mushy rice in my world!
Ive included directions in the recipe notes!
Mexican spice blend for chicken see below.
Rice pop in to use Long grain rice is best here, for the fluffiest results.
Marinating the chicken in the Fajita spice mix.
Not necessarily a bad thing, just not Mexican!
Its readily available in Australian supermarkets nowadays, alongside pasta sauces.
More on tomato passatahere.
Substitutewith canned crushed tomato though just bear in mind that your rice will not be quite as red.
Garlic and onion Essential flavour base.
Capsicum / bell peppers On theme for the fajita flavours going on here in this dish.
Frozen corn Adds lovely pops of sweetness and colour into the rice!
I use frozen for convenience, because I always have it.
Canned (drained) can also be used or, as with capsicum, substitute with another diced vegetable.
I just use a can (drained).
Chicken stock/broth The liquid in which the rice is cooked.
Substitute with vegetable stock, or water plus stock powder.
Testing to check whether it’s worth marinating, and how much spice mix to use on the chicken. Answer: 1 1/2 tablespoons of spice mix + 1 hour marinating time is the best!
just dont use water, the dish will lack flavour!
Lime For a finishing spritz of freshness at the end.
Love one spice mix that serves duel purposes!
Sear chicken, then saute veg (onion, garlic, capsicum/bell peppers).
Add rice and everything else, pop it in the oven.
Mix Mexican Spiceswith olive oil and lime juice in a large bowl to form a paste.
Marinate chicken 1 hour Add the chicken and toss to coat.
Leave to marinate for 1 hour in the fridge, or even overnight if you want.
But as noted above, dont fret if you dont have time.
I havethisChasseur one (pictured in post and video) andthis Le Creuset one.
I didnt pay full price for either shop around!
They are an investment but should last a lifetime if you look after them.
However, you’re able to make this in any large ovenproof dutch oven or deep skillet.
If you dont have a matching lid, just cover with foil for the baking part.
Ive popped directions in the recipe notes for how to do this.
Prevent screen from sleeping
Searing and sauteing
This recipe starts off on the stove to sear the chicken (flavour!)
and saute the vegetables.
Hands off cooking is the best!
Searthe marinated chicken to brown the skin.
The inside will / should still be raw.
Remove chickenonto a plate and set aside.
Saute aromatics In the same pot / pan, saute the onion, garlic and capsicum.
Then stir to combine.
Baking
Top with chicken Place the chicken on top.
It will be partially submerged under the liquid and thats fine.
And the skin exposed above the liquid will brown!
Bake 25 minutes covered Cover with a lid and bake for 25 minutes.
Some puddles remaining on the surface is fine as they will absorb while the rice rests.
Rest 10 minutes Remove from the oven then rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
Remove or push the chicken to the side, then fluff the rice with a rubber spatula or fork.
Squeeze over lime juice, sprinkle with coriander/cilantro and jalapeno if you want to garnish it.
But I were using a deep pot, Id probably plate it up individually.
Mainly for practical reasons (reaching into a deep hot pot isnt ideal).
Complete meal in one!
With the tomato and vegetables in this dish, I consider it a complete meal.
Its organised by primary vegetable so you could find something to make using what youve got.
Its work in progress Im continuing to build up the collection.
Love to know what you think if you try this Mexican chicken and rice!
Updated with much needed recipe video and more importantly, Life of Dozer added!
Less washing up is a bonus.
Here are some reader faves.
Life of Dozer
Took Dozer up to the Hunter Valley* last weekend.
Dozer would stand no chance against a roo.
We both know it!
- Wine region, 2 hours drive from Sydney
