Description
A bold and comforting one-pot dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, sweet corn, smoky spices, and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty Southwest-inspired dish is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Season diced chicken with salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and return the browned chicken to the skillet.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.
Notes
- Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks to ensure even steaming.
- If rice is slightly firm, add 2 tablespoons of broth and cook a few more minutes.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before fluffing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg