Creamy Garlic Chili Chicken and Rice

This is a savory, high flavor chicken and rice dish built around a simple marinade, pan seared chicken cutlets, and a one pan simmer with rice and vegetables. The garlic chili seasoning provides most of the seasoning, while a small amount of baking powder helps keep the chicken especially moist. The dish can be finished as is or made creamy with a sauce or sour cream, depending on preference. It works well for meal prep and reheats cleanly.


Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 3 to 4 thin sliced chicken breast cutlets

  • Salt, light sprinkle

  • Black pepper, light sprinkle

  • Avocado oil, enough to coat the chicken

  • Lime juice, enough to lightly acidify the marinade

  • 1 packet garlic chili taco seasoning

  • Baking powder, a very small dash for the entire batch


For Cooking

  • Avocado oil, for the pan

  • 1 bag frozen Cajun vegetable mix, typically green peppers, onions, and celery

  • 2 cups dry rice

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • 1 cup water


Optional Creamy Finish

Any creamy dipping sauce, drizzled on top after cooking or 1 heaping spoonful sour cream, stirred in at the end



Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken cutlets in a bowl.

• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Add avocado oil and lime juice to coat the chicken evenly.

• Sprinkle in the garlic chili taco seasoning.

• Add a very small dash of baking powder and mix thoroughly. Do not overdo this, a little goes a long way.

• Let sit while the pan heats.



2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat.

• Add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 8 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely browned.

• Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest.



3. Build the Rice Base

• In the same pan, add the frozen Cajun vegetable mix.

• Add the dry rice, chicken stock, and water.

• Stir to combine, scraping up any flavor from the bottom of the pan.



4. Combine and Simmer

• Cut the rested chicken into bite sized pieces.

• Add the chicken back into the pan.

• Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.



5. Finish and Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, though the garlic chili seasoning is typically very salty and flavorful.

• For a creamy finish, drizzle a creamy dipping sauce over the top or stir in a heaping spoonful of sour cream until evenly combined.

• Serve immediately or portion into meal prep containers.



Portioning Notes

• Can be divided into 3 to 4 servings depending on portion size.

• Common setup is three to four meal prep containers, or three containers plus one bowl for same day eating.

• Stores well and reheats without drying out.

 

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Dinner, Meal PrepDarylchicken, rice, frozen vegetables