Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe

I absolutely love this Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe because it’s an explosion of vibrant flavors in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bell peppers, hearty black beans, and that melty Mexican cheese makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser. Whenever I’m craving something comforting yet fresh, this recipe always hits the spot and comes together so quickly, which is a huge bonus for busy weeknights.

What makes the Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe truly special is its balance of textures and bold, familiar Mexican-inspired spices. I’ve found that it works perfectly as a satisfying dinner or even a meal prep option because it reheats beautifully without losing its charm. Plus, it’s one of those recipes where you can easily customize toppings or sides according to what you have on hand.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe are straightforward and pantry-friendly, making shopping simple. Using fresh peppers and onions brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory seasoning nicely.

• Red bell pepper: Adds color and a mild sweetness; core and seed for best texture.
• Green bell pepper: Gives a fresh, slightly grassy flavor that complements the red pepper.
• Yellow onion: Provides a savory base flavor that softens as it cooks.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Use thighs for juicier, more flavorful results or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly and boosting overall flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that sears the chicken and veggies perfectly without overpowering them.
• Taco seasoning mix: The secret to that classic fiesta flavor, packed with chili powder, cumin, and garlic.
• Black beans (canned): Adds protein and fiber, plus a creamy texture that pairs well with the chicken.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): Adds moisture and acidity, helping to cook the rice and keep everything juicy.
• Instant brown rice: Cooks quickly and adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Use this instead of water to infuse extra flavor into the rice and chicken.
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts on top for that irresistible gooey finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I like to mix up the veggies or try different cheeses depending on what’s in the fridge.

• Protein Swap: I’ve swapped chicken for turkey or even shrimp with great results when I want a little change.
• Veggie Boost: Adding corn or diced zucchini gives it an extra fresh crunch and color.
• Spice Level: For a kick, I toss in some chopped jalapeños or sprinkle cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
• Cheese Options: Try cotija or queso fresco instead of the Mexican blend for a tangier finish.
• Make it Vegan: Swap chicken for firm tofu and use vegetable broth and vegan cheese to keep the fiesta going.

How to Make Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Chicken

Start by coring and seeding the red and green bell peppers, then slice them into 1/4-inch strips—this size lets them cook quickly but still have a nice bite. Dice your onion finely to about a cup, which will blend beautifully with the peppers. Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces and sprinkle with kosher salt to season evenly before cooking. Getting these preps done upfront makes the cooking flow smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Veggies with Taco Seasoning

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering—you should see a little ripple on the surface. Add the chicken, onion, peppers, and the entire taco seasoning packet. Stir this often so the chicken doesn’t stick and the veggies soften uniformly. About 5-8 minutes here will give you perfectly cooked chicken pieces and tender veggies, both infused with that savory seasoning.

Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, Rice, and Broth

While the chicken and veggies are cooking, rinse and drain the black beans to cut down on any canned saltiness. Toss the beans into the skillet along with the diced tomatoes (juice and all), instant brown rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and crank up the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a boil. This step is crucial for the rice to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish with Cheese

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, turn off the heat but keep the lid on for another 5 minutes—this resting time lets the rice soak up every last bit of liquid. Finally, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top while still warm so it melts beautifully, adding that creamy, cheesy note that just ties the dish together.

How to Serve Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with freshly chopped cilantro and diced avocado—it adds a refreshing, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy skillet. Sometimes, I spoil myself by adding a dollop of sour cream and a few pickled jalapeño slices for a tangy, zesty kick that my family absolutely goes crazy for!

Side Dishes

This Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some warm corn tortillas on the side—perfect for scooping up those cheesy bites. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve it with Mexican street corn or a crisp cucumber salad to bring some brightness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gatherings, I sometimes serve this as a filling for tacos or stuffed in warm pita pockets topped with extra cheese and fresh lime. It also makes a fantastic layered casserole topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly to impress guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing, which helps maintain the texture of the chicken and keeps the rice from becoming too soggy.

Freezing

If I want to save time later, I portion out the recipe into freezer-safe containers and freeze it for up to 2 months. Freezing works especially well if you skip adding cheese before freezing; I add fresh cheese when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the rice’s moisture. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top at the end helps it taste freshly made and keeps that melty appeal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fiesta Chicken with Black Beans, Rice, and Mexican Cheese Recipe is one of those dependable dishes I turn to again and again because it’s flavorful, filling, and unbelievably straightforward. I love how adaptable it is and how it brings a touch of fiesta to my dinner table without any fuss. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the comforting feeling of home-cooked meals with exciting, bold flavors, give this a try—I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Print