Vibrant Southwest Chicken Skillet with melted cheese, black beans, and fresh scallions, presented in a metallic pan.

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Southwest Chicken Skillet is the ultimate solution for busy evenings, combining incredible flavor with minimal effort. It’s incredibly easy to make, remarkably fast, and packs a delicious punch that your whole family will love. Get ready for a satisfying dinner that comes together in just one pan.

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Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Skillet

This vibrant Southwest Chicken Skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s a weeknight lifesaver. You will quickly discover why this recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan, which means less time scrubbing and more time relaxing.
Ready in 30 Minutes: From prep to plate, this hearty meal is on your table in about half an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
Budget-Friendly: It uses common, affordable ingredients, making it a smart choice for your grocery budget.
Highly Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to suit everyone’s preferences.
Satisfying & Hearty: Loaded with chicken, rice, and beans, this dish will keep you full and happy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing one-pan Southwest Chicken Skillet. This recipe relies on everyday items you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store.

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 cup salsa (your favorite type, mild or medium)
1.5-2 cups precooked shredded chicken
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2-3 green onions, sliced

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. Here are some helpful tips for your ingredients.

Rice: Only use long-grain white rice for this recipe. Brown rice or other rice varieties require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
Chicken: Make meal prep simple with rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or shredded Instant Pot chicken. Any pre-cooked chicken works wonderfully.
Chili Powder: This refers to the common American spice blend, not pure red chile powder, which is much spicier.
Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall saltiness of your dish.
Beans: Pinto beans are a fantastic alternative if you do not have black beans on hand.
Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even Colby for a different cheesy flavor.
Salsa: Adjust the quantity or spice level of your salsa to match your family’s taste buds.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful Southwest Chicken Skillet. These items ensure a smooth cooking process.

Large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid (crucial for even cooking)
Measuring cups and spoons
Can opener
Cutting board and knife
Fork for fluffing

Instructions

Creating this flavorful Southwest Chicken Skillet is straightforward and quick. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal in no time.

In your large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, your favorite salsa, the precooked shredded chicken, thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans, chili powder, and chicken broth.
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly. Ensure everything is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan. This helps the rice cook uniformly and prevents sticking.
Place a tight-fitting lid securely on the skillet. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. You will see bubbles actively breaking the surface.
As soon as the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat immediately to low. Keep the lid tightly on and let the Southwest Chicken Skillet simmer gently for 15 minutes. Listen for a quiet, consistent simmer; adjust the heat slightly if needed to maintain it without boiling aggressively.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat completely. Keep the lid on and allow the skillet to rest undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period is essential for the rice to finish absorbing liquid and become perfectly tender.
Remove the lid carefully. Fluff the rice and chicken mixture with a fork. All of the liquid should be absorbed, and the rice should be tender.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot mixture. Replace the lid for a few minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese until it’s gooey and delicious.
While the cheese melts, slice your green onions thinly. Sprinkle the freshly sliced green onions over the melted cheese. Serve your warm and hearty Southwest Chicken Skillet immediately. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making this one-pan dish is simple, but a few pro tips can elevate your results. Keep these in mind for the best Southwest Chicken Skillet.

Skillet Choice: Always use a heavy-bottomed skillet. It distributes heat more evenly, which prevents the rice from scorching or sticking to the bottom.
Lid Seal: A tight-fitting lid is crucial. It traps steam, creating the perfect environment for your rice to cook through properly and absorb all the liquid.
Heat Management: Maintain consistently low heat during the simmering stage. This gentle simmer allows the rice to cook without burning.

Common Mistakes

Even easy recipes can sometimes go awry. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Undercooked/Sticking Rice: This usually happens if the heat was too high, not enough liquid was added initially, or the lid wasn’t sealed tightly. Ensure a tight lid and accurate liquid measurements.
Bland Flavor: If your dish tastes a little flat, don’t worry! Taste before serving and adjust. Stir in extra seasonings like cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch more salt.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Southwest Chicken Skillet tastes great as is, but you can enhance it in many ways. It’s also excellent for meal prepping.

Serving: Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a few slices of fresh diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or crispy tortilla strips for added crunch.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

The USDA provides helpful guidelines on safe storage for cooked chicken and rice leftovers, recommending consumption within three to four days when refrigerated below 40°F.

This ensures freshness and flavor for future meals.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it until warmed through.
Variations: Add more vegetables! Stir in a cup of frozen corn, diced bell peppers, or a few diced jalapeños for extra heat and flavor before simmering.

Nutrition Information

This Southwest Chicken Skillet offers a satisfying and balanced meal. Here are approximate nutritional values per serving.

Serving	Calories	Carbohydrates	Protein	Fat	Sodium	Fiber
1 Serving	546.45 kcal	70.58 g	40.9 g	10.98 g	1529.23 mg	13.6 g

Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have a few questions when preparing this delicious Southwest Chicken Skillet. Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use brown rice? Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Using it would alter the recipe significantly and might result in undercooked rice. Stick with long-grain white rice for best results.
What if I don’t have pre-cooked chicken? You can quickly cook raw chicken. Simply dice 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs and sauté it in the skillet before adding other ingredients until it is cooked through.
How do I prevent my rice from sticking to the bottom? Ensure your skillet has a heavy bottom and that your heat stays consistently low during the 15-minute simmer. Stirring thoroughly at the beginning also helps distribute ingredients evenly.
Can this dish be frozen for meal prep? Yes, it can! Allow the Southwest Chicken Skillet to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This one-pan Southwest Chicken Skillet truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it an ideal choice for any busy night. It’s a hearty, customizable meal that comes together quickly with minimal fuss. We encourage you to try this amazing Southwest Chicken Skillet and make it a regular feature in your family’s meal rotation. Get cooking and enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness!