Description
One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings the vibrant tastes of the Southwest to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender chicken simmers with zesty rice, creamy cheese, and a medley of spices, creating an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This easy recipe is not only delicious but also highly adaptable to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp Southwest seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and pepper jack blend)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
- Cook Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Toast Rice: Add long-grain rice and stir to coat in juices; sauté for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, black beans, corn, and Southwest seasoning. Stir well.
- Simmer: Nestle the chicken back in the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese over the top, cover again until melted (about 5 minutes). Serve warm with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg