Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds wonderful nutty flavor and extra nutrition. Just increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes and you may need to add an extra ½ cup of broth since brown rice requires more liquid.

How can I make this dish less spicy for my kids?

Easy! Reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon, use mild salsa, and make sure to rinse the black beans thoroughly. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.

Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can season and cook the chicken up to 2 days ahead, and chop all the vegetables the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe when you're ready to cook.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Replace the butter with additional olive oil and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream. The dish will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious and creamy.

Southwest Chicken and Rice Recipe

Name: Southwest Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with paper towel, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups); 1 red bell pepper, seeded, diced (about ½ cup); 1 green bell pepper, seeded, diced (about ½ cup); 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups (277.5 g) uncooked long-grain white rice; 3 ½ cups (28 ounces / 840 g) chicken broth; ½ cup (129.5 g) salsa; 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn kernels, drained; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream; cilantro, chopped; salt, to taste

This Southwest Chicken and Rice is a flavor-packed one-skillet wonder that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables in a creamy, spice-infused sauce. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, delicious, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic creates an authentic Southwest taste that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
Family-Friendly: This dish has universal appeal – it’s mildly spiced but full of flavor, making it perfect for everyone from kids to adults.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a standalone meal or as a filling for burritos, tacos, or stuffed peppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb all those amazing Southwest flavors.
Spice Mix: Chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic powder create that signature Southwest flavor profile without overwhelming heat.
Olive Oil and Butter: The combination gives you the perfect fat for sautéing with great flavor and a higher smoke point.
Onion and Bell Peppers: These aromatics add sweetness, texture, and vibrant color to the dish.
Rice: Long-grain white rice keeps the dish light and fluffy, while soaking up all the savory flavors.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor as the rice cooks, infusing every grain with savory goodness.
Salsa: Brings instant complexity with tomatoes, chilies, and spices already perfectly balanced.
Corn and Black Beans: These Southwest staples add texture, color, and nutritional value while making the dish more filling.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety finish that ties all the flavors together.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Dial the heat up by adding a diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. For milder palates, reduce the chili powder and skip the hot salsa.

Protein Swaps

Try ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based options like tofu or extra beans for a vegetarian version.

Grain Alternatives

Brown rice works beautifully for a nuttier flavor and more fiber (just increase cooking time by about 15 minutes). Quinoa is another excellent option for a protein-packed alternative.

Dairy-Free Option

Substitute coconut cream or your favorite plant-based cream for the heavy cream to make a dairy-free version that’s still rich and delicious.

How to Make Southwest Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Mix chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Toss half of this aromatic spice blend with chicken pieces until well coated, reserving the other half for the rice.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until they’ve softened but still maintain some texture, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just one minute more until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice and remaining spice mixture, making sure every grain gets coated in the flavorful oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the salsa, corn, black beans, heavy cream, and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and continue cooking uncovered until everything is hot and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables and measure ingredients before you start cooking to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Don’t Rush the Rice: Let it simmer gently with the lid on and resist the urge to stir it while cooking. This ensures perfectly fluffy, not sticky, rice.
Season in Layers: By dividing the spice mixture between the chicken and rice, you’re building flavor throughout the dish rather than just on the surface.
Chicken Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety without overcooking.
Rest Before Serving: Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some quick-pickled red onions for a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy dish.

Toppings Bar

Set out bowls of extra toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, hot sauce, and extra cilantro so everyone can customize their portion.

Make It a Fiesta

Pair with frozen margaritas or a refreshing agua fresca for a complete Southwest-inspired meal that feels like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into individual servings in freezer-safe containers for quick lunches or dinners.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture. Microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds wonderful nutty flavor and extra nutrition. Just increase the simmering time to about 35-40 minutes and you may need to add an extra ½ cup of broth since brown rice requires more liquid.
How can I make this dish less spicy for my kids?

Easy! Reduce the chili powder to 1 tablespoon, use mild salsa, and make sure to rinse the black beans thoroughly. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.
Can I prepare components of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can season and cook the chicken up to 2 days ahead, and chop all the vegetables the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe when you’re ready to cook.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Replace the butter with additional olive oil and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream. The dish will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Southwest Chicken and Rice is comfort food with a kick – the kind of meal that makes you look forward to dinner all day long. With its perfect balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, it’s a complete meal in one pan that comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers big on flavor without demanding much of your time. Give it a try tonight – I promise your taste buds will thank you!