Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This should take about five minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for this flavorful dish.
Next, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Once the onions are soft, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides, which should take about six to eight minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pan, stirring it in. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic oils. Be careful not to burn it, as it can turn bitter quickly.
Now, push the browned chicken to one side of the pan. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the other side. Add the uncooked rice to the oil, stirring it for a couple of minutes until it's lightly toasted. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
Time to bring all the flavors together! Pour in the enchilada sauce, the diced tomatoes and green chilies (don't drain them), and water. Stir everything together until well combined. As you do this, you’ll notice how the colors intensify.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, as the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.
After 15 minutes, check the rice. It should be tender and the liquid fully absorbed. If needed, give it a gentle stir to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. This is a crucial step to achieve that hearty consistency.
Once the rice is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for one to two minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly over the dish.
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Uncover it to reveal the cheesy, colorful goodness. Top your One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice with sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or any other toppings of your choice. Serve hot and enjoy!
