Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: Creamy Bliss! This delightful dish combines tender chicken and fluffy rice with vibrant spices, creating a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With its rich, gooey cheese topping, each bite promises satisfaction and flavor. Quick to prepare in just one pot, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s palate.
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
- 1 bell pepper, 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
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in black beans, corn, rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat; mix in cream cheese and half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese; cover for 5 minutes to melt.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute brown rice but increase cooking time and liquid. Add veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. Adjust spices according to your taste preference.