Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil

For the Rice and Veggies:

• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup white jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Zest of ½ lime
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish

Optional for Serving:

• Guacamole
• Sour cream (omit for dairy-free)
• Corn tortilla chips
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry.
   • Season the chicken with salt and taco seasoning.
   • Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add chicken thighs (in batches if needed) and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
   • Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through as it will continue to cook in the oven.

3. Prepare the Rice:

   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add red and green bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until veggies are tender, about 4 minutes.
   • Add rinsed rice, salt, and taco seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
   • Stir in chicken broth, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro leaves. Bring to a simmer.
   • Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet.

4. Bake:

   • Cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
   • Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Uncover and continue baking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Remove from oven and fluff the rice with a fork.
   • Garnish with additional cilantro.
   • Serve with optional toppings like guacamole, sour cream, corn tortilla chips, and sliced jalapeños.

Enjoy this delicious, one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend feast!