Description

This Comforting One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. Tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, sweet corn, black beans, melty cheddar cheese, and Southwest spices all cook together in one pot for a comforting family meal with minimal cleanup. This easy recipe is loaded with dinner ideas inspiration, cozy comfort food flavor, and satisfying textures that make it perfect for quick dinners, family meals, meal prep, and easy food ideas everyone will love.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound chicken breast, cubed

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long grain rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained slightly

1 cup corn kernels

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup sour cream or lime crema

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the cubed chicken with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

4. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened.

5. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

6. Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet until coated in the seasonings.

7. Pour in the chicken broth and Rotel tomatoes.

8. Add the corn and black beans and stir well.

9. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

10. Cover the skillet and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

12. Cover again for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

13. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sour cream or lime crema before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture and best melting results.

Add extra broth while reheating leftovers to keep the rice creamy and soft.

For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper before simmering.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot Skillet
Cuisine: Southwest American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one pot chicken and rice, southwest chicken recipe, cheesy chicken rice, comfort food, family dinner, quick dinner ideas