Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring tender diced chicken, fragrant spices, black beans, corn, and creamy cheese, this recipe comes together in one pot for minimal cleanup. The combination of melted cream cheese and shredded cheddar creates a rich, cheesy texture that perfectly complements the zesty salsa and southwestern seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
Spices
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds flavor by searing the chicken pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Dish: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is creamy and the cheese melts evenly throughout.
- Melt Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the dish, cover again, and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy southwest chicken and rice warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cilantro as a garnish to add a burst of fresh flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños with the vegetables or increase the chili powder.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute reduced-fat cheddar and cream cheese.
- Ensure the rice is rinsed prior to cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier grains.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: one-pot meal, cheesy chicken and rice, Southwest chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken and rice skillet
