Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further than our Fiesta Lime Chicken with Queso! This recipe delivers a burst of zesty lime, savory chicken, and creamy, cheesy goodness all in one delicious dish. Imagine tender chicken marinated in a bright lime-cilantro dressing, then roasted to perfection alongside a simple yet satisfying Mexican rice. The crowning glory? A generous helping of homemade queso, rich and smooth, to perfectly complement the juicy chicken. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together with friends.
Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup – this dish simplifies weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor. We’ve combined the best of Mexican cuisine into a simple, satisfying meal that’s both impressive and easy to execute. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to make your own Fiesta Lime Chicken with Queso!
Tools Needed
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Baking sheet
- Bowls
- Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 8
- Paprika (smoked): 1 tablespoon
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Dried parsley: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: a drizzle
- Lime: 1
- Spanish rice (pre-made): 2 packs
- Bell peppers: null
- Onions: null
- Olive oil: null
- Queso: ½ container
- Pepper jack cheese (optional): null
- Flour tortillas: null
- Beans: null
- Pico de gallo (homemade): null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Spices
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Toss chicken thighs in the spice mixture until well coated. Drizzle with honey and mix.
Step 2. Bake the Chicken
- Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 3. Assemble and Bake the Fiesta
- Layer the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish with Spanish rice.
- Layer sautéed bell peppers and onions over the rice.
- Arrange the baked chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Squeeze lime juice over the chicken.
- Spread half of the queso over the chicken.
- Bake for another 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with flour tortillas, beans, and pico de gallo.
Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Feel free to make your own Spanish rice or use pre-cooked fajita vegetables for convenience.
- Add extra pepper jack cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes! Bone-in, boneless, skin-on, or skinless chicken breasts or thighs all work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly; bone-in pieces will take longer.
2. What can I substitute for the queso?
If you're short on time or prefer a different cheese, you can use store-bought queso or a simple sour cream and shredded cheese mixture instead.
This One-Pan Fiesta Lime Chicken & Mexican Rice recipe is a winner for its ease, flavor, and minimal cleanup. Enjoy the bright, zesty flavors and the satisfaction of a delicious, homemade meal without the fuss. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a fiesta of flavor in your own kitchen!