Do Share Recipe

I just made this chicken burrito skillet for dinner, and my family absolutely loved it. It’s one of those recipes I turn to on a busy weeknight when I want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish brings all the amazing flavors of a loaded chicken burrito together in one pan, making it incredibly easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. It’s packed with seasoned chicken, beans, rice, and zesty tomatoes, all smothered in melted cheese. This is definitely a recipe I’ll be keeping in my regular rotation.

Ingredients

This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. For the best results, I recommend using high-quality ingredients and preparing them as suggested.

2 tablespoons canola oil – A neutral oil like canola is perfect because it has a high smoke point and won’t overpower the other flavors.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and are easy to eat.
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion – Yellow onions add a mild, sweet flavor that complements the chicken and spices.
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix – You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend for more control over the salt and spice levels.
1 can (15 oz) black beans – Make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove the excess sodium and starchy liquid from the can.
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes & green chilies – Use the undrained can, as the liquid adds essential flavor and moisture to the skillet.
1 cup water – This is necessary to cook the rice and create the saucy base for the dish.
1-1/4 cups instant brown rice – Instant rice is key here; regular rice will take much longer to cook and throw off the timing.
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend – Grating your own cheese from a block will give you the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Chopped cilantro (optional) – Adds a fresh, bright flavor as a garnish.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this skillet recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.

Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese alternative.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño with the onion, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the dish with more vegetables. Corn, bell peppers (any color), or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Sauté them with the onion.
Different Beans: Not a fan of black beans? Pinto beans or kidney beans work just as well in this recipe.
Protein Swap: You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet provides enough space to cook everything without crowding the pan.
Cutting Board: Use it for safely chopping the chicken and onion.
Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes prepping the ingredients quick and easy.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring everything together without scratching your skillet.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring your ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Skillet?

This one-pan meal comes together in just a few simple steps. The process is straightforward, ensuring you can get a delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Onion

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown. Next, add the chopped onion and taco seasoning, continuing to cook and stir for another 2 minutes until the onion softens.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Pour in the rinsed black beans, the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and the water. Stir everything together well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the entire mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer with Rice and Cheese

Once boiling, stir in the uncooked instant brown rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Remove from the heat, stir in half of the shredded cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dish several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to great.

I always let the chicken get a nice sear before adding the onions. This creates a flavorful crust on the meat and adds depth to the entire dish. Don’t rush this step.
If the skillet looks a little dry while the rice is simmering, I don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of water or chicken broth. Sometimes different brands of instant rice absorb more liquid.
After sprinkling the final layer of cheese on top, I cover the skillet again for a minute or two off the heat. This helps the cheese get perfectly melted and gooey.
For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes toast the taco seasoning in the pan for about 30 seconds before adding the other ingredients. It really wakes up the spices.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Skillet?

This dish is wonderful on its own, but a few simple additions can make it a complete and visually appealing meal. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.

Top individual servings with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a scoop of guacamole or diced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For some added crunch, serve it with a side of tortilla chips for scooping. You can also serve it in bowls over a bed of shredded lettuce.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

Calories: 338 kcal
Protein: 26 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 14 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep and leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

Storing

Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can also freeze this dish for longer-term storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this Chicken Burrito Skillet is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup. This makes it the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time washing dishes.
Fast and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes. It uses simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of taco seasoning, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese creates a dish that is bursting with the classic flavors of a chicken burrito. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Completely Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your family’s tastes. Add extra veggies, swap the protein, or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

Ben Carraoli