Name: Easy Mexican Rice
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 can (14.75 oz) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup long grain white rice ((uncooked, dry)); 1/2 cup salsa; 1 tablespoon butter ((I use salted)); 1 teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon cumin

Easy Mexican Rice uses simple ingredients like canned chicken broth, prepared salsa, and there is no chopping needed! Fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice that is so easy to make in one pot.

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EASY MEXICAN RICE RECIPE

I absolutely love this easy Mexican rice! No chopping needed and all the ingredients get thrown into one pot at the same time. Perfectly fluffy and flavorful rice that is so easy to make.

The "secret ingredient" in this that makes it no chopping is the salsa! It's also very adaptable to what you prefer. Do you like some heat? Use a hot salsa. Or try using a pineapple mango salsa for a fun flavor change.

HOW TO MAKE EASY MEXICAN RICE WITH SALSA

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth - You need one entire can (14.75 oz) of chicken broth for this recipe.

Long Grain White Rice

Salsa - Use any kind you want. I always opt for a mild salsa that I get fresh from the produce area of the grocery store. I've also used the jarred salsa with great results too.

Butter

Garlic Salt

Cumin

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MEXICAN RICE

- I love to make this easy rice as a base to these turkey taco burrito bowls or a side dish to these ground chicken baked tacos.

- My daughter loves to use leftovers + shredded cheese to make a cheesy rice enchilada.

- Use the rice as topping to nachos or inside burritos.

- You can also use any leftover rice in any recipe that calls for Mexican rice like these cheesy beef & rice enchiladas.

- My family loves these baked creamy chicken taquitos with rice as a side dish.

- I tend to prefer no meat dishes so one of my favorite things is to eat this rice topped with this fiesta avocado salad. Eat with tortilla chips or a spoon.

Easy Mexican Rice

Easy Mexican Rice uses simple ingredients like canned chicken broth, prepared salsa, and there is no chopping needed! Fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice that is so easy to make in one pot.

3.5 from 12 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: easy mexican rice, mexican rice with salsa

Prep Time: 1 minute

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Servings: side dish servings

Calories: 148kcal

Author: Jessica

Ingredients

1 can (14.75 oz) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked, dry)
1/2 cup salsa
1 tablespoon butter (I use salted)
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon cumin

Instructions

In a saucepan, over medium-high heat, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the butter melt.
Once boiling, cover with lid, and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 25 minutes.
* It's important to not open the lid for any reason during the cook time and the resting time.
Remove from heat and let rice stand, with lid on, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Notes

I have successfully used basmati rice in this recipe as well. Any white, long grain rice will work. But for the most part I usually always use regular long grain white rice.

If you want some heat then use a hot salsa and/or add some chili powder or cayenne pepper.

I have never made this recipe with brown rice. Brown rice needs a longer cook time and has a higher water to rice ratio than white rice. You can experiment on your own as I have never used it so I have no tips for it.

And because I know I will get comments saying that this Mexican rice is not authentic. I know it's not. It's not meant to be. It's meant to be an easy, family friendly Mexican rice recipe that any cook can make in their own home.

Nutrition

Comments

Kathy

October 10, 2017 at 7:35 pm

This is the best Mexican rice recipe I have found! So easy and delicious!
★★★★★

- Together As Family
  
  October 10, 2017 at 8:35 pm
  
  So glad you love it! It's the only one I make now :) Thanks for coming back to let me know.
  
Jason

October 29, 2017 at 10:28 pm

I have it simmering on my stove as I'm typing this. Can't wait to try it!

- Together As Family
  
  October 30, 2017 at 11:05 pm
  
  Hope you loved it! I make this rice all the time.
  
Betty Schoonover

December 15, 2017 at 6:29 pm

Love this recipe!! So simple yet very good!
★★★★☆

Brook

February 25, 2018 at 12:17 am

Very simple and easy! The only thing I did differently, as I work with a lot of Hispanic women and have seen them make it, was fry the rice in a little oil before cooking. I LOVE the idea of using salsa! I work 60+ hours a week and any time saved is awesome! No chopping or slicing with this one, but it still has all of the flavor. My family LOVED it! My husband said it was the best Spanish rice of 2018! lol Thanks!
★★★★★

- Together As Family
  
  March 02, 2018 at 9:04 pm
  
  I have heard about that trick too; frying the rice first. I need to try that next time. So glad to hear it was a hit.
  
- Cyndi
  
  January 23, 2020 at 10:31 am
  
  Coming from a Hispanic homemaker: yes! Frying the rice is a must. Place oil, instead of butter, in a pan. Add the rice. Stir fry the rice unti the rice is toasted light brown (like rice pilaf). Then add your tomato sauce based salsa to the pan & give that a quick stir fry(30 seconds). Add the rest of your ingredients, more broth if needed. Amp up the garlic powder, along with adding onion and mild chili powder. Do not overstir as the rice is cooking, or it will be mushy. ?❤
  
Barbara

January 25, 2020 at 12:57 pm

This recipe is simple to prepare and it delivers on flavor. My family enjoyed it and we'll be making it again.
★★★★★

Jessica

January 31, 2020 at 4:04 pm

Just made this to go with your turkey taco bowls and it was all delicious!! I used my rice cooker when making this and it turned out wonderful.
★★★★★

Kimberly

June 14, 2020 at 4:13 pm

This is my #1 used recipe on Pinterest. Makes perfect restaurant quality Mexican rice every time. I use basmati rice fir this recipe.
★★★★★

Dawn Crescimone

August 11, 2020 at 3:25 pm

I change the garlic salt to garlic and add canned black beans. I can whip up this recipe in just a few minutes. My family really likes this dish and I like a fast dinner that is not labor intensive. A dollop of sour cream atop the rice and I call it dinner. :)
★★★★★

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