Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal combining tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty Southwest spices. It’s a hearty dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, cooked entirely in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt and create a creamy texture throughout the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Keywords: one-pot meal, chicken and rice, cheesy chicken, Southwest cuisine, easy dinner, weeknight recipe
