Southwest Chicken and Rice

Featured in: One-Pot Family Meals

This vibrant one-pot dish features tender chicken pieces, long-grain rice, black beans, and sweet corn simmered in a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. The sautéed onion, bell pepper, and garlic provide a flavorful base, with tomatoes and broth adding depth and moisture. Garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and cheese add brightness and creaminess. Simmered to perfection, this dish offers a comforting, zesty taste of Southwestern American cuisine, ideal for a quick, flavorful meal.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:36:00 GMT
Succulent Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.  Save to Pinterest
Succulent Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot served with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. | savoringli.com

A vibrant, one-pot dish packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, black beans, and colorful vegetables, bringing the bold flavors of the American Southwest to your table.

This dish quickly became a family favorite thanks to its ease of preparation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g) cut into 1 inch pieces
  • Vegetables: 1 large red bell pepper diced, 1 medium yellow onion diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup (150 g) frozen or canned sweet corn drained if canned, 1 can (400 g) black beans drained and rinsed, 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or regular diced tomatoes)
  • Grains: 1 cup (185 g) long grain white rice rinsed
  • Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt or to taste, ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • Garnishes (optional): Fresh cilantro chopped, Sliced green onions, Lime wedges, Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
Step 2:
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3 4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
In the same pot add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 4:
Stir in the rice chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano salt and black pepper. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5:
Add the browned chicken back to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) black beans corn and chicken broth. Mix well.
Step 6:
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 7:
Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Step 8:
Serve hot garnished with chopped cilantro green onions lime wedges and cheese if desired.
Vibrant one-pot Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot featuring tender chicken and black beans.  Save to Pinterest
Vibrant one-pot Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot featuring tender chicken and black beans. | savoringli.com

This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well making family dinners easy and delicious.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid, Cutting board and knife, Wooden spoon or spatula, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains None of the major allergens when prepared as listed. If garnishing with cheese contains milk (dairy). Always check labels on canned goods and broth for potential allergens or gluten.

Nutritional Information

Calories 460, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 33 g per serving

Delicious Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot, bursting with zesty flavors and colorful veggies. Save to Pinterest
Delicious Southwest Chicken and Rice Pot, bursting with zesty flavors and colorful veggies. | savoringli.com

This recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and bold flavor to your dinner table every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used instead but requires a longer simmer time (about 40–45 minutes) and possibly extra broth to ensure proper cooking.

What spices give this dish its Southwestern flavor?

Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano create the signature zesty and smoky flavor characteristic of Southwestern cuisine.

How can I add more heat to this dish?

Incorporate a diced jalapeño along with the onion and bell pepper during sautéing to introduce a spicy kick.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just ensure canned goods and broth are labeled gluten-free.

What garnishes complement these flavors best?

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges, and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese provide fresh and creamy contrasts to the bold dish.

Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Absolutely, it's excellent for meal prep and reheats well, maintaining its flavors and texture.

Southwest Chicken and Rice

Tender chicken with black beans, corn, and rice infused with robust Southwest spices and fresh garnishes.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Southwestern American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

Chicken

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables

01 1 large red bell pepper, diced
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 cup frozen or canned sweet corn, drained
05 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
06 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz)

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1½ teaspoons chili powder
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
05 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
06 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnishes (optional)

01 Chopped fresh cilantro
02 Sliced green onions
03 Lime wedges
04 Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables: In the same pot, add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic and cook 1 additional minute.

Step 03

Toast spices and rice: Add rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the vegetables. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Combine main ingredients: Return chicken to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly.

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 06

Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 07

Serve with garnishes: Serve hot, topped with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and cheese if desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy if cheese garnish is added.
  • Check canned goods and broth labels for potential allergens or gluten.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 460
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 33 g