Description

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and classic southwestern spices. Made in a single pot, it’s a convenient and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a blend of black beans, corn, salsa, and seasoned rice all cooked together to perfection.

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 bit of oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic (the recipe mentions bell pepper but not listed in ingredients; since instructions mention it, assume 1 small bell pepper diced) until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Add Rice and Flavors: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salsa, drained black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy, giving the dish a rich and cheesy texture.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier outcome.
If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy salsa.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and increase black beans and corn quantities.
Make sure to rinse the rice to avoid excess starch and improve texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwestern American

Keywords: one-pot meal, cheesy chicken and rice, southwestern recipe, easy dinner, black beans, comfort food