Meet your new weeknight hero: Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet! Imagine all the flavors you crave from a loaded burrito—melty cheese, tender chicken, smoky spices, hearty vegetables, and zesty beans—brought together in just one glorious pan. This vibrant dish isn’t just ridiculously easy, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone rush to the table (and maybe even lingers for seconds). Whether you’re after a cozy family dinner or an effortless meal-prep solution, Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is destined to earn a top spot in your regular rotation.

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this skillet lies in its everyday, no-fuss ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, building bold flavor and an irresistible, hearty texture with vibrant pops of color. Here’s exactly why these ingredients matter for your Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet masterpiece:

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté to perfection with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein—using bite-sized pieces ensures every forkful is juicy and satisfying.
Onion: Offers natural sweetness and a savory backbone that infuses the skillet.
Red bell pepper: Brings color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
Garlic: A must for vibrant flavor that makes the dish pop.
Ground cumin: Essential for its earthy warmth and classic burrito flavor.
Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and that distinctive Tex-Mex kick.
Paprika: Lends smoky depth and a beautiful reddish hue.
Salt: Brings all the flavors together in every bite.
Black pepper: Finishes the spice mix with just the right touch of bite.
Uncooked white rice: Soaks up all the flavors and bulks out the meal for ultimate comfort.
Black beans (drained and rinsed): Add hearty creaminess and boost the protein and fiber.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: For tang, juiciness, and a subtle heat—and they keep everything moist.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth as it cooks.
Frozen corn: Pops of sweetness and a little texture surprise in every bite.
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: That irresistible gooey topping that pulls everything together.
Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges: Essential for bright, fresh flavor to balance all the richness (don’t skip the garnish!).

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your bite-sized pieces of chicken and let them sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes. You want each piece to get a little browned and cooked through—the chicken will finish cooking with the rest of the ingredients later, so don’t fret if it’s just shy of done.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Scoot the chicken to the side, then toss in the onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The veggies should soften and start smelling wonderful—the garlic will let you know when it’s ready by releasing its unmistakable aroma.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Now it’s time to layer in the flavor. Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper right over the sautéed mixture. Stir well so the chicken and veggies are laced with that warm, smoky seasoning. This quick step is where the kitchen starts to smell like your favorite Mexican restaurant!

Step 4: Add Rice, Beans, Tomatoes, Broth, and Corn

Pour the uncooked white rice into the skillet, followed by the black beans, the entire can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!), chicken broth, and frozen corn. Stir everything together so the rice is nestled evenly among the other goodies. Bring this colorful mixture to a boil—this is where all the magic starts to happen.

Step 5: Simmer and Let the Flavors Come Together

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This is when the rice plumps up, soaking in every bit of those savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Give it a quick check near the end—the rice should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Make It Cheesy

Take the skillet off the heat and scatter your shredded cheese over the top in an even layer. Cover the pan again for 2 to 3 minutes. The residual heat works its magic, melting the cheese into a gooey, golden blanket—this is where your Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet really lives up to its name!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top your masterpiece with plenty of chopped fresh cilantro and tuck a few lime wedges on the side. That pop of green and splash of citrus brightens the dish and makes each serving look absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on toppings! Chopped cilantro brings freshness, while a squeeze of lime gives just the right amount of tang. Avocado slices, dollops of sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra cheese are fantastic partners. This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet loves to be dressed up—let everyone customize their own serving for maximum fun.

Side Dishes

While this skillet shines on its own, it gets even better with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, or charred corn on the cob pair beautifully. For heartier appetites, serve warm flour or corn tortillas on the side so everyone can scoop, wrap, or dip to their heart’s content.

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck the skillet filling into burrito-sized tortillas to make handheld wraps, or pile it high over a bed of greens for a next-level burrito bowl. For parties, set out the skillet with a tray of chips and let guests scoop it up like a cheesy, protein-packed dip. Leftovers also make incredible next-day quesadillas—just spoon, fold, and crisp in a pan.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet keeps like a champ. Once cooled, transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making every reheat taste even more satisfying. It’s a lunchbox favorite!

Freezing

To freeze, pack portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (let out as much air as you can). Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm through—perfect for those busy nights when you need instant comfort.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, stirring halfway for even warmth. If you’re warming a larger batch, use a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of chicken broth to keep things moist. And don’t forget to refresh with a sprinkle of cheese and a pop of lime or cilantro to wake up the flavors!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, you can—but brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. Plan for at least 10 to 15 minutes of additional simmer time, and check for tenderness before adding the cheese.

Is Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe relies on rice and naturally gluten-free ingredients. As always, double-check your broth and spice labels if you’re strictly avoiding gluten.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A shredded Mexican blend or sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that classic burrito flavor. Pepper Jack is an excellent twist if you like a little extra spice!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for extra beans, plant-based meat, or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for even more veggie goodness.

How can I make this Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet spicier?

Kick up the heat by adding chopped jalapeño with the onion and peppers, or try spicier diced tomatoes. A dash of hot sauce on top never hurt, either!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re chasing cheesy comfort or seeking a fuss-free way to feed a hungry crew, you can always count on Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet to deliver. Give it a try—you might just find yourself returning to this recipe every single week!

Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, rice, beans, and melted cheese for a delicious Mexican-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken until browned.
Add Vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
Season: Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Mix in rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and corn. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is cooked.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover until melted.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quicker preparation.
Top with avocado or sour cream for added creaminess.
Perfect as a burrito filling or with tortilla chips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American