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+ servings

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice

500kcal
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 40 minutes
A comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant vegetables with Southwest spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings 6 servings
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southwestern

Ingredients

Protein
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Grains
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
Dairy
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
Liquids
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa
Spices
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

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

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories500kcalCarbohydrates58gProtein30gFat18gSaturated Fat10gSodium800mgFiber7gSugar3g

Notes

You can swap chicken for turkey or make it vegetarian by using more beans and vegetables. For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicy salsa. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture.

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