Mexican-Style Chicken, Pinto Bean, and Rice Skillet
A flavorful one-skillet Mexican dinner featuring seasoned chicken breast, fiber-rich pinto beans, and brown rice. Simple to prep and packed with lean protein for a comforting family meal.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
Makes
4 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Sarah + Lila
Sarah created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
A steadier afternoon
Give your day a solid food foundation
Being properly fed cannot solve a hard day, but a substantial meal can remove hunger and an energy dip from the list of things you are juggling.
Notice: mood + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Total
25 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
Store leftover portions in airtight containers for easy meal prep.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Heat the olive oil in a large…
- 01
Heat the olive oil in a large…
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 350°F (175°C).
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the diced lean chicken breast to…
Add the diced lean chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
Look for: lightly browned on all sides
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add the chopped bell pepper
Add the chopped bell pepper, chopped red onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Look for: the vegetables begin to soften
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir in the ground cumin
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, drained pinto beans, cooked brown rice, and chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Cover the skillet
Cover the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Look for: the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the liquid is mostly absorbed
Tap card to mark done - 06
Remove the skillet from heat
Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover for 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
Look for: the cheese melts completely
Tap card to mark done - 07
Drizzle with fresh lime juice before serving…
Drizzle with fresh lime juice before serving warm. Divide into 4 equal portions for serving. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
Made this recipe?
Leave a quick rating or a cooking tip for the next woman.
Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.
One good meal is a start. Your whole week is better.
Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.