Easy One-Pan Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe

Updated on: December 19, 2025

A bubbling, cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet garnished with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and black beans, resting on a modern kitchen countertop.

Life is busy, but delicious meals don’t have to be complicated! This Chicken Burrito Skillet is your new weeknight hero, bringing vibrant Tex-Mex flavors right to your table with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cheesy goodness all cooked in a single pan. Get ready for an easy, flavorful dish that will become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Skillet

Quick & Easy: Prep time is just 15 minutes, and cooking takes under 30. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one large skillet, meaning less washing up after dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a delicious blend of seasoned chicken, beans, tomatoes, and cheese in every bite.
Highly Customizable: Easily adapt this skillet meal with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or spice levels.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting and satisfying Chicken Burrito Skillet.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing one-pan Chicken Burrito Skillet. These are common items you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store.

2 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz pkg)
1 can (15 oz each) Rosarita® Premium Whole Black Beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz each) Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 cup water
1-1/4 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
1 cup shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
Chopped cilantro, optional

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too, offering a richer flavor. You can also use ground chicken or turkey.
Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount to your taste or try a homemade blend for specific spice levels. A low-sodium version is a great alternative.
Beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans can easily replace black beans for a different texture and flavor.
Tomatoes: If you prefer less spice, use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead of Ro*Tel. Add a pinch of green chilies separately if desired.
Rice: Instant white rice can be used; just follow package directions for cooking time and adjust water if needed. Other quick-cook grains like quinoa could also work.
Cheese: Any good melting cheese blend, like Mexican blend or Colby Jack, is perfect here.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, chopped green onions or fresh parsley make great substitutes for a fresh garnish.

Equipment

You don’t need many special tools for this easy Chicken Burrito Skillet recipe. Simplicity is key!

Large Skillet: A 10-12 inch cast iron or non-stick skillet is essential for cooking everything in one pan.
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or stirring spoon

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Chicken Burrito Skillet is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

Prep Ingredients: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-size pieces. Finely chop your yellow onion. This ensures even cooking.
Sauté Chicken: Heat the canola oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown slightly.
Add Aromatics & Seasoning: Stir in the chopped onion and taco seasoning with the chicken. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the onion to soften and the seasoning to become fragrant. This step builds the core flavor for your Chicken Burrito Skillet.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans, the undrained Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 1 cup of water. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
Bring to Boil: Increase the heat if necessary and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This helps to integrate all the flavors before adding the rice.
Stir in Rice: Once boiling, stir in the uncooked instant brown rice. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
Simmer & Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half (1/2 cup) of the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the rice mixture.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the Chicken Burrito Skillet. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving immediately. Enjoy your homemade burrito bowl!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Chicken Doneness: Always ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pieces should be white throughout with no pink. For more information on safe cooking practices for poultry, consult the USDA’s guidelines on chicken from farm to table.
Rice Texture: For perfectly tender rice, resist lifting the lid while it simmers. This traps steam and ensures even cooking. If rice is still firm, add a splash more water and continue simmering for a few minutes.
Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning to your preference. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For less, use a mild taco seasoning.
Prevent Sticking: Stir the mixture occasionally, especially when adding the liquid, to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan. A good non-stick skillet helps immensely.
Flavor Boosts: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors. A spoonful of cream cheese stirred in with the other cheese adds extra creaminess.
Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles easily. Use a larger skillet or cook in two batches if your pan isn’t big enough. It’s perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Chicken Burrito Skillet is perfect for quick dinners and adaptable to any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Tortillas: Serve the skillet mixture directly into warm flour or corn tortillas for classic burritos.
Bowl Style: Enjoy it as a hearty burrito bowl, perhaps over a bed of crisp lettuce.
Toppings: Offer a selection of toppings like cool sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Freshness: Add sliced avocado or a scoop of guacamole for creamy texture.
Salsa: A fresh pico de gallo or your favorite jarred salsa makes a great addition.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Variations

Protein Swaps: Use ground beef, ground turkey, or even cooked shredded pork for a different take on this skillet meal.
Vegetable Additions: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or diced bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for a kick, or cotija cheese crumbled on top.
Grain Alternatives: Try using quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture and nutritional profile, adjusting liquid and cooking times as per package directions.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and standard portion sizes. Nutritional values can vary widely depending on specific brands, exact measurements, and any substitutions made.

This Chicken Burrito Skillet is a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Nutrient	Amount (per serving, estimated)
Calories	410 kcal
Protein	35g
Fat	15g
Carbs	38g
Fiber	7g
Sodium	850mg

Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown. For precise information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a trusted nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice? You can, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Regular rice will require more water and a longer simmer time, usually around 20-25 minutes, so ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding it.
Is this dish spicy? The Ro*Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies add a mild kick. You can control the spice level by choosing mild Ro*Tel or using regular diced tomatoes if you prefer no heat in your Chicken Burrito Skillet.
Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian burrito skillet. Consider adding smoked paprika for depth.
How long does it last in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container, the leftovers will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. It reheats wonderfully for quick lunches.
Can I add other vegetables? Yes, this is a very versatile recipe. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy One-Pan Chicken Burrito Skillet truly lives up to its name, offering maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply when you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal without a mountain of dishes. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience how simple and satisfying cooking can be. Don’t forget to share your creations and tell us your favorite toppings!