02/20/2025
Southwest Chicken and Rice
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
Instructions:
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Combine everything: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions (if desired). Serve hot.
Tips and Variations:
Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Other veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, jalapenos, or poblano peppers to the skillet along with the onions and bell pepper.
Chicken type: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
Rice type: You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but the cooking time will be longer.
Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack over the finished dish for extra flavor.
Lime juice: Add a squeeze of lime juice over the finished dish for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Southwest Chicken and Rice!