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

Introduction

This One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a flavorful and comforting meal that comes together quickly. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Southwest spices, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying with minimal cleanup.

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
• 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper for some heat.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense cheesy taste.
• Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
• Leftover rice can be replaced with cooked rice to reduce cooking time.

Storage

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

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly and simmer until tender.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but texture might change slightly. Cool completely before freezing in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, flavorful spices, and melty cheese with hearty rice and vegetables. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a perfect balance of southwestern flavors in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the black beans, corn, rinsed rice, chicken broth, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Melt remaining cheese: Top the mixture with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover the pot again, and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
7. Serve: Serve the cheesy southwest chicken and rice warm, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch for a less sticky texture.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
• For more heat, add a diced jalapeño when cooking vegetables or use spicy salsa.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
• Adding fresh cilantro at the end brightens the flavors.
• Make sure to keep the heat low when simmering to avoid burning the rice on the bottom.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Keywords: One pot chicken rice, cheesy chicken rice, southwest chicken recipe, creamy chicken and rice, easy dinner, one-pot meal