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Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice

Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: Comfort in Every Bite

Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant ingredients into creamy, mouthwatering comfort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast Diced into bite-sized pieces
For the Base
  • 1 cup Rice Rinsed; brown rice or cauliflower rice optional
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped; use any color for vibrancy
  • 1 cup Corn Canned or frozen
For the Creaminess
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded; Monterey Jack can be substituted
For the Spice
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • large heavy-bottomed pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chopping the bell peppers. Measure out the spices, including cumin and chili powder, and set aside for easy access.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Mix in the chopped bell peppers and corn with the sautéed chicken. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the peppers soften.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice along with the measured spices, ensuring the rice is well-coated.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes.
  6. Allow the pot to simmer covered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. After cooking, stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  8. Remove the pot from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use quality cheese for best flavor. Prepare ingredients ahead for quicker cooking.

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