One-Skillet Chicken & Rice Burrito Filling

My husband, Steve, and twelve-year old son, Zayne, are burrito fanatics. So, this recipe suits them well. What I find both fascinating and glorious about this recipe is that all of the components that one would typically find in a loaded burrito come together in one pan. You don't have to cook the meat, rice and beans separately. It's all cooked in one skillet - along with a magnificent blending of spices, onions, corn, tomatoes and herbs. Score. This recipe comes together easily and is perfect for a busy weeknight. And, the leftovers are fabulous the next day.

Although this recipe is written as a burrito filling, the mixture is great as a filling for quesadillas or for serving over slightly crushed tortilla (or corn) chips, as well. If using as a burrito filling, you can simply warm up your large, soft tortilla shells, load them up with the filling, roll 'em up and eat as-is. Or, you can pan-fry them or bake them (brush them with a little oil first) after rolling. (We're partial to frying them.)

Once I spoon the filling onto the tortilla, I like to sprinkle on some chopped red onion, lots of extra cilantro and chopped avocado before rolling them up. Dipped in sour cream, these babies are scrumptious.

NOTE: If you like things spicy, you can add in some chopped hot peppers to the filling mixture as it is cooking.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large boneless/skinless chicken breast, cut into small chunks and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1 cup rice (I use brown rice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano (regular oregano works, too)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to your liking)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn (frozen or fresh preferably)
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
Juice of 1 lime
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby cheese

Topping Suggestions -

Fresh cilantro
Fresh, chopped tomatoes
Chopped avocado
Chopped onions/scallions
Sour Cream

Directions:

Sauté the chopped onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute in a large sauté pan or skillet. Move onions to the side of the pan and add in the chicken. Allow to slightly brown for about 2 - 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Move chicken off to the side of the pan, as well. Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add rice. Stir to coat rice in oil. Allow rice to cook for about 1 minute, then add in the garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 - 2 minutes so that spices slightly toast and "bloom."

Add in the canned tomatoes, black beans, corn and chicken stock. Stir to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Allow to continue simmering for about 15 - 20 minutes. Cook until rice is tender, chicken is cooked and the majority of the liquid has evaporated.

Add in the juice of 1 lime. Stir and adjust seasoning as needed.

Sprinkle on the cheese, cover pan, remove from heat and allow to rest until cheese is fully melted.

Top with fresh tomato and cilantro.

Serve as a filling for burritos or quesadillas. Or, filling can be served over tortilla or corn chips in bowls. Garnish with additional toppings of your choice.

Adapted from No. 2 Pencil.