Do Share Recipe

Southwest Chicken And Rice Recipe | Easy & Tasty Family Dish

I just finished making this delicious one-pan dish and had to share—my version of Southwest Chicken and Rice recipe is now a go-to in my weeknight rotation. I love how the chicken gets wonderful fajita-style seasoning, how the vegetables bring vibrant colour, and how the rice absorbs all those bold flavours.

It felt comforting yet exciting, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. After finishing the recipe I found myself planning when I could make it again. If you’re up for a tasty, fuss-free meal, read on—I’ll walk you through the full recipe, variations, tips and more! You can also enjoy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Garlic Aioli Recipe as a fun side to complement this dish.

Ingredients

Note: several servings

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces — fresh breast keeps the chicken tender.
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided) — half for browning chicken, half for sautéing veggies.
1 (1 oz) packet fajita seasoning — brings classic Southwest flavour.
1 Tbsp butter — adds richness and helps soften veggies.
1 medium yellow onion, diced — provides sweet-savory balance.
1 red bell pepper, diced — adds sweetness and colour.
1 green bell pepper, diced — brings freshness and colour contrast.
3 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives the best flavour.
15 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes — adds smoky tang to the rice.
15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed — adds protein and heartiness.
1 tsp chili powder — deepens the spice level.
½ tsp cumin — warm and earthy.
½ tsp paprika — mild smokiness and colour.
¼ tsp coriander — a subtle citrus-earth layer.
2¼ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth — helps rice absorb all the flavours.
1 cup long-grain white rice — cooks evenly in the given time.
1½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese — fresh-shredded melts best.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced — adds a bright, fresh finish.
2 Tbsp lime juice — fresh lime brightens everything.
8 oz can corn, drained — adds sweetness and texture.

Variations

Here are some ways to switch things up:

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese entirely.
For a mild version, reduce chili powder and paprika.
To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with more vegetables and use vegetable broth.
For more spice, add jalapeño or chipotle pepper.
For a grain-free version, try cauliflower rice and adjust the cooking time.

You might also pair it with a festive cocktail like Whoville’s Spiced Up Christmas Margarita Recipe for a fun twist.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large heavy pot or deep skillet with lid — for cooking chicken and rice in one pan.
Wooden spoon — helps scrape up browned flavour bits.
Measuring cups and spoons — for accurate seasoning.
Knife and cutting board — for chopping veggies and chicken.

How to Make Southwest Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and sprinkle fajita seasoning over it. Cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pot and keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add remaining olive oil and butter. Add onion, red pepper and green pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Rice Base

Add tomatoes, black beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add rice, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20–23 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in 1 cup cheese, cilantro, lime juice, corn and the cooked chicken. Top with remaining cheese, cover and let it melt before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what helped me get the best results:

I always brown the chicken well—it adds amazing flavour.
Cooking the rice on medium-low prevents sticking.
Covering the pot tightly helps rice cook evenly.
I like adding extra lime juice just before serving.
When reheating, I add a splash of broth to keep the rice soft.

How to Serve Southwest Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates. Add fresh cilantro on top and serve with lime wedges. You can add sour cream, avocado, salsa or tortilla chips for extra texture and colour. Serving in a wide bowl helps show off all the colourful ingredients.

Nutritional Information

A general idea of what’s in one serving:

Calories: about 834
Protein: high, thanks to chicken and beans
Carbohydrates: plentiful from rice, beans and corn
Fat: moderate from oil, butter and cheese

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container. They stay fresh for 5–6 days in the fridge.

Freezing

Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Add a splash of broth before reheating to keep moisture.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir and add a little broth to refresh the texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons this dish becomes a favourite:

It’s easy and convenient, all done in one pot with simple steps.
It’s loaded with flavour, from spices to veggies to lime.
It’s versatile, easy to adapt for spice level, diet or ingredients.
It’s a complete meal, with protein, carbs and veggies in one dish.
It’s great for leftovers, reheating beautifully the next day.

Ben Carraoli