Ingredients
1.5 tsp chipotle powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 lime
2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 lb.)
1 Tbsp cooking oil
1 yellow onion
1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup long grain white rice
2 green onions, sliced
1 oz. Cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions
Combine the chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a bowl. Squeeze 2 Tbsp juice from the lime into a separate bowl.
Use a rolling pin or a mallet to gently pound the chicken breast to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). Use half of the prepared spice mix to coat both sides of the chicken pieces (reserve the other half of the spices for later).
Heat the cooking oil in a large deep skillet over medium. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for a few minutes on each side, or until browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked, just browned on both sides. It will continue to cook with the rice.
While the chicken is cooking, dice the onion. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet to a clean plate. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add the remaining spices and sauté for one minute more.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), rice, chicken broth, and lime juice to the skillet with the onions. Stir to combine and dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the browned chicken back to the skillet. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium high, and allow the liquid to come up to a boil.
Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low, and allow the chicken and rice to simmer on low for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off and let the skillet rest, without lifting the lid, for an additional 5 minutes.
Finally, remove the lid, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Fluff the rice to stir the tomato and onion back in. Slice the chicken then place it on top of the rice. Sprinkle with slice green onion and Cotija cheese. Add any remaining lime wedges, and serve!
Key Points About Ingredients:
- Chipotle powder delivers a deep, smoky heat that distinguishes this dish from standard spiced chicken — adjust the amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- Long grain white rice absorbs the combined flavors of chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and lime juice as it cooks, making every bite savory and aromatic.
- Cotija cheese is a firm, salty Mexican cheese that crumbles beautifully over the finished dish — feta makes a reasonable substitute if Cotija is unavailable.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly alongside the rice, preventing dry edges or undercooked centers.
- Fresh lime juice added to the cooking liquid brightens the entire dish and balances the smoky, earthy spices in the blend.
Key Nutritional Insights:
- Each serving provides a solid lean protein source from chicken breast, supporting muscle maintenance and keeping you full longer.
- The diced tomatoes contribute lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, along with natural sweetness and acidity.
- Chipotle powder and cumin are rich in antioxidants and have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties in traditional diets.
- Using chicken broth instead of plain water to cook the rice adds depth of flavor while contributing a modest amount of sodium — use low-sodium broth to reduce overall sodium content.
- This meal offers a balanced macronutrient profile with complex carbohydrates from rice, lean protein from chicken, and healthy fats from cooking oil.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size1
- Amount per serving
- Calories480
- Standard DV% Daily Value*
- Total Fat10 g72 g13.89%
- Saturated Fat2.5 g20 g12.5%
- Trans Fat0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat4.5 g
- Cholesterol90 mg300 mg30%
- Sodium780 mg2300 mg33.91%
- Total Carbohydrate58 g275 g21.09%
- Dietary Fiber3 g28 g10.71%
- Total Sugars5 g
- Added Sugars0 g50 g0%
- Sugar Alcohal0 g
- Protein38 g50 g76%
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)4 mcg20 mcg20%
- Calcium120 mg1300 mg9.23%
- Iron3 mg18 mg16.67%
- Potassium720 mg4700 mg15.32%
- Vitamin A420 mcg900 mcg46.67%
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)14 mg90 mg15.56%
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)1 mg15 mg6.67%
- Vitamin K8 mcg120 mcg6.67%
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)0.3 mg1.2 mg25%
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.2 mg1.3 mg15.38%
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)14 mg16 mg87.5%
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)1.1 mg1.7 mg64.71%
- Folate28 mcg400 mcg7%
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)0.4 mcg2.4 mcg16.67%
- Biotin4 mcg30 mcg13.33%
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)1.8 mg5 mg36%
- Choline110 mg550 mg20%
- Phosphorus380 mg1250 mg30.4%
- Iodine6 mcg150 mcg4%
- Magnesium52 mg420 mg12.38%
- Zinc2 mg11 mg18.18%
- Selenium38 mcg55 mcg69.09%
- Copper0.2 mg0.9 mg22.22%
- Manganese0.8 mg2.3 mg34.78%
- Chromium4 mcg35 mcg11.43%
- Molybdenum12 mcg45 mcg26.67%
- Chloride320 mg2300 mg13.91%
