One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a kick of southwest spices, it comes together easily 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, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mild or spicy salsa depending on your heat preference.
• Swap the chicken for diced turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• For extra veggie goodness, add diced bell peppers or chopped tomatoes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly to fully cook the rice.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen, but some texture changes may occur due to the cream cheese and rice. If freezing, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 149 reviews

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are simmered with rice, black beans, corn, and bold southwestern spices, then blended with creamy cheeses for a rich and satisfying meal all cooked together in a single pot.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Spices & Seasoning

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

Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper (note: although not listed in ingredients, it is implied in instructions; omit or consider adding 1 medium bell pepper diced), and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the dish is creamy and well combined.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch and prevent sticking.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Southwest chicken rice, one-pot meals, cheesy chicken dinner, easy chicken recipes, comforting meals