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Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice

Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: One-Pot Comfort Made Easy

This Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a comforting, one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a vibrant blend of spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts a tender protein that pairs beautifully with rice
For the Base
  • 1 cup long-grain rice absorbs all the flavors and maintains the perfect fluffy texture; quinoa is a gluten-free substitute
For the Veggies
  • 1-2 cups bell peppers any variety works, but red and yellow add the best sweetness and color
  • 1 cup corn adds a sweet crunch; fresh, canned, or frozen options all work well
For the Creaminess
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese offers a classic creamy taste; try a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin enhances the dish with Southwest flair
  • 1 teaspoon paprika enhances the dish with Southwest flair; adjust according to your spice preference
For Added Flavor
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth brings depth and richness; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 medium onion releases aromatic flavors; shallots can be a sweeter alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic adds flavor

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat, adding a splash of oil. Once hot, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Next, introduce boneless chicken thighs or breasts to the pot, cooking for about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Stir in diced bell peppers and corn, mixing well for about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add long-grain rice and your chosen spices, stirring for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Finally, dish out your Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice while it's hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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