Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice, where tender chicken melds with fluffy rice and a medley of vibrant spices. Each bite bursts with flavor, enhanced by the rich, gooey cheese that blankets the dish, creating a comforting and satisfying experience.
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
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and half of the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams
Keywords: One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice, easy dinner recipes, one-pot meals, cheesy chicken, southwest flavors, comfort food, quick meals, family-friendly recipes, Mexican-American cuisine, rice dishes, creamy chicken recipes, weeknight dinners, gluten-free meals