One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake

One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake is a vibrant, comforting dish that captures the daring flavors of Cuban delicacies in a single straightforward pan. It options seasoned hen, fragrant rice, peppers, black beans, and melty cheese, all cooked collectively for a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. This recipe brings collectively comfort and wealthy taste, making it excellent for busy weeknights or informal household dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet meal for straightforward cooking and cleanup
• Daring, Cuban-inspired taste from spices, lime, and herbs
• Full of protein, veggies, and grains for a balanced meal
• Melty cheese topping for comfort-food satisfaction
• Customizable elements to fit your tastes
• Meal prep and freezer pleasant
• Child-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Naturally gluten-free with easy swaps
• An ideal dish for each dinner and leftovers
• Nice for informal entertaining or potlucks

elements

(Tip: You’ll discover the total record of elements and measurements within the recipe card under.)

• Boneless, skinless hen breasts or thighs, diced
• Olive oil
• Yellow onion, chopped
• Crimson bell pepper, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Floor cumin
• Cayenne pepper (non-compulsory for warmth)
• Salt and black pepper
• Lengthy grain white rice
• Damaged spaghetti or skinny pasta (non-compulsory for texture)
• Tomato paste
• Black beans, rinsed and drained
• Pepperoncini or chopped dill pickles (non-compulsory, provides tang)
• Recent lime zest and juice
• Recent cilantro, chopped
• Shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese

instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Warmth olive oil in a big oven-safe skillet over medium-high warmth. Add chopped onion and cook dinner for about 5 minutes till softened.
3. Stir in diced hen, bell pepper, garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook dinner for one more 5–6 minutes, till hen is flippantly browned.
4. Push the hen combination to 1 aspect and add the damaged spaghetti and rice to the pan. Toast flippantly for 1–2 minutes.
5. Stir within the tomato paste, cooking for 1 extra minute. Add about 2 cups water and the pepperoncini or pickles, if utilizing. Stir all the pieces collectively.
6. Cut back warmth to low, cowl, and simmer for about quarter-hour, or till a lot of the liquid is absorbed and rice is almost tender.
7. Stir in black beans, cilantro, lime zest, and juice. Combine nicely.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheese excessive of the combination.
9. Switch the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve heat.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: quarter-hour
Cook dinner time: Half-hour
Complete time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the hen and double the beans or add tofu
• Spicier: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños
• Cheese Choices: Use cheddar, Monterey jack, or a mix for a distinct taste
• Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice (add on the finish as a substitute of cooking it within the skillet)
• No Rice: Use quinoa or orzo as a substitute of white rice

storage/reheating

Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat within the microwave or on the stovetop over medium warmth till warmed by means of. Add a splash of broth or water to stop the rice from drying out. This dish can be frozen for as much as 2 months—thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

FAQs

Can I take advantage of brown rice as a substitute of white?

Sure, however brown rice takes longer to cook dinner and might have additional liquid. Alter the cooking time accordingly.

Do I must cook dinner the rice individually?

No, the rice cooks immediately within the skillet with the remainder of the elements, absorbing all of the scrumptious flavors.

Can I take advantage of rotisserie hen?

Sure, add it after the rice is generally cooked because it’s already totally cooked. Simply warmth by means of earlier than including the cheese.

Is that this dish spicy?

It may be! Alter the cayenne to style or go away it out for a milder model.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Sure, skip the cheese or use a plant-based various.

What kind of cheese melts greatest?

Swiss provides a basic Cuban aptitude, however mozzarella or Monterey jack soften easily and are delicate sufficient to enhance the spices.

Can I add extra greens?

Completely—attempt corn, peas, spinach, or zucchini for additional vitamin and shade.

Do I’ve to bake it?

Technically no, however baking helps soften and brown the cheese topping fantastically. You can even cowl it on the range to soften the cheese.

Is that this good for meal prep?

Sure, it shops and reheats very nicely. It’s splendid for make-ahead meals.

What sides go nicely with this?

Attempt a inexperienced salad, fried plantains, or a easy avocado and tomato salad.

Conclusion

One Skillet Cheesy Cuban Chicken Rice Bake is a daring, flavorful meal that brings collectively the essence of Cuban consolation meals with the benefit of one-pan cooking. Full of spices, protein, and gooey cheese, this dish is ideal for busy nights while you need one thing hearty with out the effort. It’s versatile, enjoyable to make, and certain to be successful on the dinner desk.

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