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Lazy Chicken Burrito Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Fix

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (any color works)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie is perfect)
  • 1 cup uncooked quick-cook white rice (or 3 cups cooked rice; see instructions)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (use 1/2 cup if starting with cooked rice)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne (optional)
  • 1–1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (plus more to taste)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • For serving (optional): tortillas, sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, shredded lettuce, salsa

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. If using garlic powder, add it with the taco seasoning in the next step.
  3. Season and build: Add chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with juices, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Stir well.
  4. Choose your rice path: Using uncooked quick-cook rice: Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
  5. Using cooked rice: Reduce broth to 1/2 cup. Stir in cooked rice and broth. Simmer uncovered 3–5 minutes, stirring, until heated through and saucy.
  6. Finish with lime and cheese: Turn off heat. Squeeze in lime juice and taste; adjust salt, pepper, or heat. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for 2–3 minutes to melt.
  7. Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro. Spoon into bowls, roll into warm tortillas, or serve over shredded lettuce. Add sour cream, avocado, and salsa if you like.