One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and classic southwestern spices. It’s an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights, all made in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and thoroughly combined.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicier twist.
• If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the simmering time according to package instructions.
• Adding chopped bell peppers in step 1 adds more color and crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just dice them similarly and cook until fully done.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the rice may change slightly. For best results, cool completely and freeze in airtight containers, then thaw overnight before reheating.

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

This comforting One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and creamy cheeses into a hearty, easy-to-make meal. With vibrant southwest flavors from chili powder and cumin, paired with black beans, corn, and salsa, this dish offers a satisfying combination of texture and taste all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Legumes

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned

Grains and Liquids

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This builds the base flavor for the dish.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked and flavorful.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the spices and liquids are evenly distributed.
4. Simmer Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Melt Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and combined, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.

Notes

• Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to make it slightly lighter.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin to taste if you prefer a spicier or milder dish.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Keywords: one pot, cheesy chicken and rice, southwest chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken rice, quick stovetop meal