One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe
This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a hearty, flavorful meal combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant southwest spices. Easy to prepare in a single pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and brings comfort with a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
Grains & Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Mix Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Melt Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin based on your spice preference.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: one-pot, cheesy, southwest chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, skillet meal
