One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice Recipe
This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and tender rice all cooked together in a single pot. Enhanced with southwest seasonings, black beans, corn, and a rich blend of cream cheese and cheddar, it’s a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients
Scale
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 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
Other
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed completely.
- Incorporate the cheeses: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Melt the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover the pot again, and let it sit for 5 minutes off heat to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy southwest chicken and rice warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and helps achieve a fluffier texture.
- Use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability; canned works fine but drain well to avoid excess liquid.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier melting and a smoother texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: One-Pot, Cheesy, Southwest, Chicken, Rice, Creamy, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
