One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful, comforting meal that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and vibrant southwestern spices, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

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 it is 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.
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 the pot from heat and stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onion and garlic.
• You can substitute shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
• Use brown rice instead of white, but increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes.
• To add more veggies, toss in diced bell peppers or chopped tomatoes along with the beans and corn.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the mixture if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Just dice them similarly and follow the same cooking instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients except the cheeses in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until rice and chicken are cooked through. Stir in the cheeses before serving.

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

A comforting and flavorful one-pot dish combining tender chicken, cheesy rice, and Southwest-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, and salsa, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Beans

• 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

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salsa, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing everything together to combine evenly.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until they melt and are thoroughly combined, creating a creamy texture.

Notes

• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding spices.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
• Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juiciness.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

Keywords: one pot, cheesy chicken, southwest chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal