Description

This Comforting One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a quick dinner packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, melty cheese, black beans, corn, and bold Southwest flavor. It is an easy recipe for busy nights, cozy family meals, meal prep, and simple dinner ideas when you want comforting food without extra cleanup.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 10 ounces

1 cup frozen or canned corn

1 can black beans, 15 ounces, rinsed and drained

2 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned.

2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it is coated with the spices and vegetables.

4. Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover for 2 to 3 minutes until melted.

7. Finish with lime juice and chopped cilantro. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Instant rice can turn mushy in this one-pot method.

Do not lift the lid too often while the rice cooks because the trapped steam helps the rice soften evenly.

Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers so the rice becomes creamy again instead of dry.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Southwest-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 486
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 842mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 92mg

Keywords: one pot chicken and rice, cheesy chicken rice, southwest chicken rice, easy dinner, quick dinner, chicken dinner ideas, one pot dinner