Craving a flavor explosion that'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant Southwest? Get ready to discover the ultimate one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and a colorful medley of ingredients in our mouthwatering Southwestern Chicken Yellow Rice! This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, draining black beans, and measuring out corn and salsa.
- Season diced chicken with cumin, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil.
- Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Add yellow rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken, toasting the rice for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in salsa and enough water to cook the rice according to package instructions, typically a 2:1 liquid to rice ratio.
- Add black beans and corn to the skillet, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful chicken, marinate the diced meat in the cumin, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance the spice absorption. • Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from sticking or burning. • Don't skip toasting the rice before adding liquid—this step adds a nutty depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. • Use low-sodium salsa and black beans to better control the salt content of your meal. • For extra protein, you can substitute chicken with turkey or add some diced chorizo for a spicier version. • Fresh cilantro is key—chop it right before serving to maintain its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color. • Let the dish rest for those full 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to steam and become perfectly fluffy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
