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–+ servings
Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice

Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice: A Cozy One-Pot Delight

Cheesy Southwest Chicken & Rice is a comforting one-pot meal filled with protein, gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
For the Rice Base
  • 1 cup Rice Long-grain or jasmine
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Low-sodium preferred
For the Veggies
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers Chopped small
  • 1 cup Corn Frozen or canned
For the Creaminess
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Can be swapped for sour cream
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Sharp for bold flavor
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder Adjust to taste
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh Herbs (such as Cilantro) For freshness and color

Equipment

  • large pot or skillet

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop bell peppers and cut chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  3. Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in chopped bell peppers and sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Rice and Liquids: Add rice, corn, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
  5. Simmer Gently: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in cream cheese first, followed by cheddar cheese, until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize ingredients as desired for extra protein like beans. The one-pot meal saves time on cleanup.

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