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A delicious plate of One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: Creamy Bliss!

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: Creamy Bliss!

Enjoy a quick and flavorful one-pot meal with this creamy, cheesy Southwest chicken and rice dish, packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, One-Pot
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Dice into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Grains
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing stickiness.
Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use your favorite cheddar, mild or sharp.
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese Soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion Diced for even cooking and distribution.
  • 1 bell pepper bell pepper Any color bell pepper works well.
  • 2 cloves garlic Freshly minced garlic adds the best flavor.
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans Rinsing helps reduce sodium and improve texture.
  • 1 cup corn Frozen corn can be added directly, no need to thaw.
Liquids
  • 2 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth can be used to control saltiness.
  • 1 cup salsa Choose your preferred level of spice.
Spices
  • 1 tsp chili powder Adds warmth and a classic Southwest flavor.
  • 1 tsp cumin Ground cumin is essential for this dish.
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Season to taste, adding more if desired.
  • 0.25 tsp Pepper Freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

Equipment

  • Large Pot

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in the black beans, corn, rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese and half of the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

This versatile recipe is great for meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.