Whip up a delicious Spicy Southwest Chicken Skillet that will spice up your dinner routine! This one-pan dish features juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty black beans, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal in just 25 minutes, it's both flavorful and easy to prepare.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced into strips
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1 cup canned black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
1 cup shredded cheese (choose from cheddar or a Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnishing
Ripe avocado slices, for serving
![To make a tasty Southwest Chicken Skillet, you need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon ground cumin - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup mixed bell peppers, sliced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced This dish shines with some special ingredients: - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 1 cup canned black beans, drained - 1 cup shredded cheese, like cheddar or Mexican blend Fresh herbs and toppings add a lovely finish: - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Ripe avocado slices These ingredients come together for a colorful and flavorful meal. You can find the full recipe in the article above for easy reference. Enjoy cooking! To start, you need to properly dice and season the chicken. First, take your chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Next, add the spices. I like to use smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices well with the chicken. This step adds a lot of flavor. Now, let's slice the vegetables. For the bell peppers, remove the seeds and cut them into strips. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This makes them cook faster. For the red onion, slice it thinly. Thin slices help the onion soften quickly when cooking. Now we begin the cooking process. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, it's ready. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often so it cooks evenly and gets a nice brown color. Next, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Sauté the mix for 3-4 minutes. The vegetables should soften and smell great. Now, it’s time to add the corn, the diced tomatoes with their juices, and the rinsed black beans. Stir everything well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors mix together. For the final touches, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetable mix. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. Serve warm with slices of avocado on the side. This adds a creamy finish. Enjoy the bold flavors of this Southwest Chicken Skillet! You can find the Full Recipe above. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook faster and evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. For the right vegetable tenderness, sauté them just until they soften. Don’t overcook, as they will lose their crispness. Adjusting spices can really change the dish. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder. For a milder flavor, cut back on the heat. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness. A squeeze of lime juice boosts the dish’s brightness too. For the best sides, consider serving rice or a simple salad. These pair well with the rich flavors of the skillet. To present the dish nicely, serve it straight from the skillet. Garnish with fresh cilantro and add ripe avocado slices on the side. This makes it both tasty and pretty. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try beef, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings a unique taste. If you use beef, choose tender cuts like sirloin. For shrimp, cook them quickly to keep them juicy. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. Just make sure to press it first to remove extra moisture. Feel free to swap vegetables, too. Use seasonal veggies for fresh flavors. Try zucchini, squash, or even sweet potatoes. Each adds its own twist to the dish. You can also mix in leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition. You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just check your spices and canned goods for hidden gluten. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. You can also make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. For vegetarian or vegan options, replace the chicken with more veggies or beans. You can use lentils or chickpeas for protein. This way, the dish stays hearty and filling. Remember, cooking is all about adapting to what you have. Enjoy the Full Recipe and explore your own variations! To keep your Southwest Chicken Skillet fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months. To reheat without losing flavor, use these methods: - Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to warm evenly. - Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For food safety, always heat until the dish reaches at least 165°F. This ensures all parts are safe to eat! How long can I store Southwest Chicken Skillet? You can store Southwest Chicken Skillet in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container for best results. This makes it easy to enjoy later! Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook it, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you're ready to eat. What can I substitute for black beans? If you don't have black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans. Both will work great in this recipe and keep the flavors strong. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and keeps the chicken tender. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. Also, the chicken should be white inside, not pink. How to make it less spicy? To lower the spice level, use less chili powder. You can also skip the diced tomatoes with green chilies. This will make it milder without losing flavor. Can I add more veggies for a healthier version? Absolutely! You can add zucchini, spinach, or even carrots. More veggies make the dish colorful and boost nutrition. Enjoy being creative! This Southwest Chicken Skillet recipe combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You learned to prepare, cook, and garnish your dish for great taste. I shared cooking tips and variations, making this dish fit your needs. Whether you want to swap ingredients or store leftovers, you have options. Enjoy your flavorful creation, and feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. Cooking should be fun and satisfying!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4654fac2-b815-4f34-8d31-a2a3e845a948-250x250.webp)