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Mexican ACP Chicken Rice: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

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Mexican ACP Chicken Rice, a symphony of cheesy goodness and savory chicken, is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled in a bed of fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce. Are you drooling yet? This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a fiesta in your mouth that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of ACP (Arroz con Pollo y Queso) are debated, its roots are firmly planted in the vibrant culinary landscape of Mexican-American cuisine. It’s a dish that speaks of adaptation and innovation, blending traditional Mexican flavors with American preferences. Think of it as a delicious cultural exchange on a plate!

What makes Mexican ACP Chicken Rice so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. The creamy cheese sauce is undeniably addictive, while the seasoned chicken and rice provide a satisfying and hearty base. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies, spices, and toppings. But the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience a taste of Mexico with this cheesy, chickeny delight!

Mexican ACP Chicken Rice this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp onion powder
    • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Rice:
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
    • 2 cups chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
    • 1/4 cup diced onion
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1/2 tsp cumin
    • 1/4 tsp chili powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Cheese Sauce:
    • 4 tbsp butter
    • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
    • 3 cups milk
    • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
    • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/4 tsp onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Vegetables:
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 1/2 cup frozen corn
    • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • Optional Toppings:
    • Chopped cilantro
    • Sour cream
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa
    • Jalapeños, sliced

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands to really massage the spices in!
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, and we want that nice browned flavor!
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Cooking the Rice:

  1. In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Don’t let the garlic burn!
  3. Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to peek! Keeping the lid on is crucial for even cooking.
  5. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is the base of our cheese sauce, so don’t skip this step! Cooking the flour removes the raw flour taste.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Sautéing the Vegetables:

  1. In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil (about a tablespoon) over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion to the skillet.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp. I like mine to still have a little bite to them!
  4. Add the frozen corn and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

Assembling the ACP:

  1. Now for the fun part! You have a few options for assembling your ACP. You can do it family-style in a large serving dish, or you can assemble individual portions.
  2. Family Style: In a large serving dish or casserole dish, layer the rice, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. You can either mix everything together or layer it neatly.
  3. Individual Portions: In individual bowls or plates, layer the rice, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce.
  4. If you’re using a casserole dish, you can bake the assembled ACP in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. This step is optional, but it helps to melt the cheese sauce even more and meld all the flavors together.
  5. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and sliced jalapeños.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to your liking. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use a spicier salsa.
  • Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or even a Mexican cheese blend would all be delicious.
  • Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the mix, such as black beans, pinto beans, or zucchini.
  • Chicken: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cubed chicken breasts for a quicker and easier option.
  • Rice: Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but it will take longer to cook. Follow the package directions for cooking times.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, rice, and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the ACP, simply reheat the components and layer them together.
  • Slow Cooker: This recipe can also be adapted for the slow cooker. Combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Shred the chicken with a fork and stir in the cheese sauce and vegetables before serving.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or sweet potatoes.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the ACP with a side of tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. It’s also great as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Why this recipe works:

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it combines all the best flavors of Mexican cuisine into one comforting and satisfying dish. The seasoned chicken is flavorful and tender, the rice is perfectly cooked and infused with savory spices, and the cheese sauce is rich and creamy. The addition of sautéed vegetables adds a touch of freshness and color, while the optional toppings allow everyone to customize their ACP to their liking. It’s also a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Troubleshooting:
  • Rice is too dry: If the rice is too dry after cooking, add a little more chicken broth and stir. Cover and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the extra liquid.
  • Cheese sauce is too thick: If the cheese sauce is too thick,

    Mexican ACP Chicken Rice

    Conclusion:

    So, there you have it! This Mexican ACP Chicken Rice recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, comforting, and relatively easy-to-make meal. I know, I know, there are a million rice recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and that vibrant Mexican-inspired rice is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even the recipe!

    What makes this Mexican ACP Chicken Rice so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The chicken is juicy and savory, the rice is fluffy and packed with flavor, and the cheese sauce adds a rich, creamy element that ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less jalapeño, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup?

    But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. For example, you could add some grilled shrimp or steak for an extra protein boost. Or, if you’re a vegetarian, you could easily substitute the chicken with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a hearty and satisfying meat-free option.

    Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

    • Serve it as a main course with a side of fresh guacamole and sour cream.
    • Turn it into a burrito filling by wrapping it in warm tortillas.
    • Use it as a topping for nachos for a fun and festive appetizer.
    • Pack it in a lunchbox for a delicious and satisfying midday meal.

    And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you could even top it with some crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of fresh flavor. The possibilities are endless!

    I truly believe that this recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rice, making it a budget-friendly option as well.

    So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Mexican ACP Chicken Rice! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and let me know what you think! Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Happy cooking!

    I’m always looking for ways to improve my recipes, so your feedback is invaluable. Did you make any substitutions? Did you add any special ingredients? Did you have any tips or tricks that you’d like to share? Don’t be shy! Let’s create a community of passionate cooks who love to share their love of food.

    And one last thing: don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family! They’ll thank you for it, I promise. After all, good food is meant to be shared, and this Mexican ACP Chicken Rice is definitely worth sharing!

    Mexican ACP Chicken Rice: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

    Comforting Chicken, Cheese, and Rice (ACP) with seasoned chicken, flavorful rice, creamy cheese sauce, and sautéed vegetables. Customizable and perfect for family meals or parties!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time20 minutes
    Cook Time40 minutes
    Total Time60 minutes
    Yield6-8 servings
    👨‍🍳By: Lila
    📂Category: Dinner
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 6-8 servings
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to your liking.
    • Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
    • Vegetables: Add other vegetables like black beans, pinto beans, or zucchini.
    • Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
    • Rice: Brown rice can be substituted, but it will take longer to cook.
    • Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken, rice, and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately.
    • Slow Cooker: Adapt this recipe for the slow cooker.
    • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or pinto beans.
    • Serving Suggestions: Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, and cilantro.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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