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Mexican Chorizo Rice

Mexican chorizo rice with fluffy long-grain grains simmered in spiced chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Chorizo drippings infuse the rice, then it’s finished with cilantro and lime for bright, one-pan flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

Chorizo
  • 8 oz chorizo casings removed
Aromatics and rice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion small, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cup long-grain white rice
  • 3 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and mix-ins
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes about 14 oz
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Finishing
  • 0.25 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime juiced

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Brown chorizo
  1. Crumble the chorizo into a large pot and cook over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Visual cue: it should look caramelized with browned bits and rendered fat in the pot.
  2. Remove the browned chorizo with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pot. Visual cue: the pot should have an even layer of golden drippings for the rice to absorb.
Sauté aromatics and toast rice
  1. Add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Visual cue: the onion should turn translucent and glossy without browning too much.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Visual cue: the garlic should smell fragrant and slightly golden, not burned.
  3. Stir in the long-grain white rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Visual cue: the grains should look slightly dry and more opaque at the edges.
Simmer and cook
  1. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir once to combine so the spices disperse evenly.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Visual cue: steam should collect under the lid and the surface should look mostly dry with tender grains beneath.
Finish and rest
  1. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the cooked chorizo, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Visual cue: the rice should look studded with chorizo and speckled with green and light yellow-gold tones.
  2. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before serving. Visual cue: grains should settle into a fluffy, cohesive texture rather than watery-looking clumps.

Notes

Pro tip: keep the pot covered during the 15-minute cook so the rice absorbs the broth and stays fluffy. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the rice. For a lower-fat option, use a leaner chorizo (or turkey chorizo) and drain excess rendered fat after browning.