One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
