Description

Comforting One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner made with tender chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and melty cheese all cooked in one pan. It is cozy, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights when you want a warm homemade meal without a pile of dishes.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup salsa

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 lime, cut into wedges

1/4 cup sour cream, for serving

2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish

1 diced avocado, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add it to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in the chicken broth and salsa. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

5. Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6. Remove from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with cilantro, lime juice, green onions, sour cream, and avocado before serving.

Notes

Use long grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking.

Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to keep the rice soft and creamy.

For more heat, stir in chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwest American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 465
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 78mg

Keywords: one-pot cheesy southwest chicken and rice, chicken and rice skillet, southwest chicken dinner, cheesy chicken rice