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One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice for Easy Weeknight Comfort

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a comforting dish filled with bold flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice avoid instant rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and black pepper
For the Cheese & Garnish
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • to taste fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
  3. Add chopped yellow onion and diced red bell pepper; sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds.
  4. Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring well to coat it.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes, corn, rinsed black beans, and chicken broth. Mix and scrape any browned bits from the pan.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-22 minutes until rice is tender.
  7. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top, cover again, and let sit for 2-3 minutes until melted.
  8. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish, garnish with cilantro, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 34gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

Rinse the rice before adding to prevent a gummy texture. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, adding it later in the cooking process. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

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