One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe
This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal combining tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a medley of Southwestern spices and vegetables. With the convenience of cooking everything in one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty blend of textures and bold tastes all in a single dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
Liquids and Sauces
- 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 flavor base of your dish.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until the pieces are no longer pink in the center, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Combine everything thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt completely and incorporate into the dish, creating a creamy texture.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice prevents excess starchiness and helps achieve a fluffier texture.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts based on your spice preference.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: one pot, cheesy chicken, southwest, rice, quick dinner, easy recipe, chicken and rice, comfort food
