One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
