Southwest Chicken Skillet

Name: Southwest Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 lb chicken breast (cubed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 cup corn; 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed); 540 ml diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup long grain rice; 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)

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Quick and easy Southwest Chicken Skillet is a one-pan meal that bursts with flavor. With seasoned tender chicken, rice, black beans, veggies and a tex-mex taste, it’s a delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Southwest Chicken Skillet in a pan with a wooden spoon with fresh avocado slices and sliced jalapeños on top.

Table of Contents

One of the best recipes to have on hand is a simple one pan skillet meal. This southwestern chicken and rice skillet ideal for busy weeknights when you want to create something truly special yet with minimal fuss.

This easy skillet meal is also great for meal prep because it reheats beautifully and doesn’t lose any flavor along the way.

This chicken skillet dish captures the essence of the American Southwest, where every bite is a lively invitation to explore bold tastes and comforting textures.

Packed with protein, warm spices, and veggies – southwestern chicken and rice skillet is so ridiculously simple. Even the rice is cooked in with the dish, so there’s no need to cook that separately.

If you love making skillet meals, you will also want to check out our Easy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits or our 30 Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken. All easy to make, nutritious, and so great for reheating the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pan Wonder – Simple ingredients, easy steps, a one-pan meal, and just 30 minutes. You can’t get easier and more convenient than that!
Tasty and Satisfying – Southwest flavors result in one dish of deliciousness just like our Southwest Chicken Salad.
Family-Friendly – Perfect for those busy weeknights or prepping meals for the next day as an easy dinner. The whole family will request this time and again.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Southwest Chicken and Rice Skillet reheats so well, it’s great for prepping lunches for the week, or having another ready made dinner on hand.

Total Time: 30 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients and Notes

The ingredients on a table to make southwest chicken skillet.

Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, yet you can also use ground chicken. If using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, stir in pre-cooked shredded chicken during the last 5–10 minutes so it heats through without drying out.
Cheese – White cheddar adds sharp flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese are also good options.
Rice – Long grain white rice works best. Instant rice or brown rice will require different liquid ratios and cook times.
Corn – You can use drained canned corn, frozen corn (thawed), or even fresh corn for this recipe. If you have leftover Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, it will make good use of it.
Black Beans – Canned black beans add a creamy texture and subtle earthiness while boosting the dish’s heartiness and fiber content. You can swap them for pinto beans or skip them if you prefer a lighter dish. Our Tater Tot Enchilada Casserole has black beans as well.

As always, the full ingredients and recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Recipe Variations

Make it Spicy:
Add cayenne or chopped jalapeños with the bell pepper if you prefer more heat. You could also add finely chopped jalapeño pepper or even ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat.
Add Toppings:
Choose from a wide variety of toppings to make it your own, change taste, and bring out other flavors. Refer to the list below for suggestions.
Make it Vegan:
Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

a wooden spoon taking southwest chicken skillet out of a cooking pan.

Tips for Success

Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker, more even cooking.
Don’t drain the canned tomatoes—the juices add moisture and flavor to cook the rice properly.
Use a cast iron pan, deep skillet, or a sauté pan with a lid to ensure even cooking and prevent liquid loss for this southwestern chicken skillet.

How to Make Southwest Chicken Skillet

seasoned uncooked chicken cubes in a glass bowl.

STEP 1 – Season the chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.

A skillet filled with cooked chicken cubes.

STEP 2 – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned.

STEP 3 – Add the bell pepper, corn, and black beans. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.

A skillet filled with chicken and vegetables.

STEP 4 – Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil.

cooked Southwest Chicken Skillet in a pan.

STEP 5 – Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Southwest Chicken Skillet in a pan with melted cheese on top.

STEP 6 – Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Southwest Chicken Skillet in a pan with fresh avocado slices and sliced jalapeños on top.

STEP 7 – Serve this easy meal warm and garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapenos, a squeeze of lime juice from limes, or avocado if desired.

Topping Suggestions

This Southwest Chicken Skillet Recipe is great on its own, yet adding toppings really brings this recipe to a new level. Choose from the below topping ideas:

Diced or sliced avocado
Guacamole
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Chopped fresh cilantro
Chopped green onions
Homemade Easy Pico de Gallo
Crispy tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.
Chopped jalapeños

Serving Suggestions

This tasty Tex-mex dish is so great on its own. Yet you also have the option of serving it with side dishes such as a salad, warmed tortillas, or our Tomato and Mango Salsa.

If it’s for a feast, try it with our Fiesta Mexican Rice, Grilled Corn on the Cob, or our delicious Mexican Cornbread Casserole Recipe.

Leftover Meal Idea

Serve leftovers in tortillas or over lettuce for an easy burrito or taco salad.

Dessert Pairings for this Recipe

Air Fryer Churro Bites offers a sweet, warm finish that echoes the spice notes in the skillet.
This Recipe for Key Lime Cake. The tart, creamy tang provides a cooling counterpoint to the smoky, spicy chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Southwest Chicken and Rice Skillet

Oven Method
Best for maintaining texture and even warming. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.

Microwave Method
Quick and convenient but may soften the chicken and vegetables. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp towel and heat in 1-2 minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.

Stovetop Method
Ideal for reheating without losing moisture. Warm a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat and cook leftovers, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly crisped.

Air Fryer Method
For a crispy finish, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in the basket in a single layer and heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even heating.

Southwest Chicken Skillet on plates with forks and fresh avocado slices beside a cooking pan.

Recipe FAQ

How to make vegetarian southwest skillet?

Simply skip the chicken and double the black beans or add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or plant-based meat.

What is southwest style chicken?

Southwest chicken has warm spices such as cumin, garlic and peppers. It’s often served with black beans, corn, tomatoes and rice.

More Skillet Recipes

This Easy Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe also takes just 30 minutes to make.
Cheesy Sausage and Tortellini Skillet is an easy Italian dish perfect for those busy weeknights.
Kentucky Apple Skillet Cake proves a skillet can make delicious desserts too.
You’ll love this Salted Caramel Skillet Brownie.

If you’ve tried this Southwest Chicken Skillet or any other recipe on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Finally, consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you’re here. Thanks!

Southwest Chicken Skillet

Quick and easy Southwest Chicken Skillet uses simple ingredients and is bursting with flavor. Great for meal prep, it has minimal cleanup and is made in just 30 minutes. Great for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal with minimal fuss.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Tammi

Ingredients

1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 lb chicken breast (cubed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 cup corn
1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
540 ml diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup long grain rice
1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Season the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, until lightly browned.
Add the bell pepper, corn, and black beans. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and rice. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded white cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve warm and garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapenos , or avocado if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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