Description
A flavorful, comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and classic Southwest ingredients like black beans, corn, and spices, all cooked together with rice for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the rinsed long-grain white rice, chicken broth, salsa, drained black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the cheeses: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy and cheesy texture throughout the dish.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and cumin according to your taste.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- If using canned corn, drain it before adding to avoid excess liquid.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, or avocado slices for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Keywords: cheesy chicken rice, southwest chicken recipe, one pot dinner, chicken and rice casserole, easy chicken dinner
