Go Back

Mexican Chorizo Rice

Mexican chorizo rice made in one pot with toasted long-grain rice simmered in chicken broth until tender. Fluffy grains are infused with golden chorizo drippings, then finished with bright cilantro and lime.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rest 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Mexican Chorizo Rice
  • 8 oz chorizo Casings removed.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion Small, diced.
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 3 cup chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes With juice.
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 cup cilantro Chopped.
  • 1 lime Juiced.

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Cook chorizo and build the rice
  1. Crumble the chorizo into a large pot and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it renders evenly; visual cue: the fat becomes golden and the bits look crisp at the edges. Remove the browned chorizo with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
  2. Add the olive oil to the pot and sauté the diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes, stirring to coat; visual cue: onion turns translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so it doesn’t brown.
  3. Stir in the long-grain white rice and toast for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently; visual cue: grains look slightly opaque and smell nutty.
Simmer and finish
  1. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes, keeping the surface at a steady simmer; visual cue: liquid is mostly absorbed and rice grains are tender.
  2. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the cooked chorizo, chopped cilantro, and lime juice; visual cue: the rice looks evenly speckled and glossy from the lime and drippings. Let the pot rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the rice at a gentle simmer and avoid lifting the lid during the 15-minute cook so the grains absorb liquid evenly. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of water. Freezing is not recommended because the rice can soften too much. For a dairy-free option, keep the recipe as-is; no swaps are needed.