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One Pan Southwest Chicken Skillet Recipe

4.9 from 51 reviews

A flavorful and hearty One Pan Southwest Chicken Skillet combining tender chicken, vibrant spices, and vegetables with cheesy goodness, all cooked in a single skillet for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Chicken (Cut into 1 inch cubes)
  • 1 small Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 4 ounces Chopped Green Chiles
  • 1 cup Corn
  • 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (Uncooked)
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 cup Salsa
  • 2 1/4 cups Chicken Stock
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, swirl olive oil to coat the bottom evenly, preparing the pan for cooking.
  2. Cook chicken and onions: Add the cubed chicken and finely chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and the onions become soft and translucent.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine vegetables and spices: Mix in the chopped green chilies, corn, uncooked rice, chili powder, and ground cumin to the skillet, stirring to evenly blend the ingredients.
  5. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the salsa and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer.
  6. Cook the rice: Let the dish simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Melt cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked rice and chicken mixture. Cover again and heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
  8. Serve and garnish: Serve the skillet hot topped with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, black olives, avocado, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen corn according to availability.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream before serving.
  • This recipe can be adapted to use brown rice but will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid.
  • Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: Southwest chicken skillet, one pan dinner, easy chicken skillet, cheesy chicken and rice, quick weeknight meal