A vibrant skillet filled with golden-brown chicken pieces topped with melted cheese, colorful bell peppers, black beans, and corn. The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of lime, presenting a spicy, cheesy, and fresh appearance on a rustic wooden table.

Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet Recipe

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Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet Delight 🍗🌶️🧀

Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet Delight 🍗🌶️🧀

1. Introduction

Are you craving a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the bold flavors of southwest cuisine with the comforting goodness of cheesy chicken? Look no further than this spicy southwest chicken skillet. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, bringing together tender chicken, zesty spices, and melty cheese all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love a good cheesy chicken skillet, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. For more delicious dinner ideas, check out our creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta delight.

2. Ingredients for the Best Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

3. How to Make a Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Sautéing Vegetables

In the same skillet, add sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, and sliced jalapeños. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and develop flavor. Add the corn kernels and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Assembling the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh burst of flavor. For more quick and easy skillet meals, explore our hearty ground turkey and potatoes skillet.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Southwest Chicken Skillet

Allow the skillet to cool slightly before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well – just store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For more freezer-friendly recipes, visit our Mexican street corn soup.

5. Serving Suggestions for Your Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Serve this flavorful dish with warm tortillas, fluffy rice, or a side of Mexican-style street corn. For an added crunch, top with crispy tortilla strips or sliced avocado. A small side salad with lime vinaigrette complements the spicy flavors perfectly. Looking to pair this with a refreshing drink? Try our Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for cool beverages.

6. FAQs about the Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this skillet recipe. Thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but breasts are a good lean alternative.

Can I make this recipe milder or spicier?

Adjust the number of jalapeños and chili powder according to your spice preference. Removing or reducing jalapeños will make it milder, while adding more will increase the heat.

How long does it take to prepare?

The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Is it gluten-free?

This dish is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels if you use processed cheeses or spices.

7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe

8. Additional Tips to Elevate Your Southwest Chicken Dish

  • Use fresh herbs like cilantro and lime for a bright, fresh flavor.
  • For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting the jalapeños and chili powder.

9. Conclusion

This spicy southwest chicken skillet is a vibrant, satisfying dish that combines bold flavors with simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Try it today and impress your family or guests with this cheesy, spicy delight! Don’t forget to explore our wide range of kitchen tools to make your cooking experience even more enjoyable.

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A vibrant skillet filled with golden-brown chicken pieces topped with melted cheese, colorful bell peppers, black beans, and corn. The dish is garnished with fresh cilantro and slices of lime, presenting a spicy, cheesy, and fresh appearance on a rustic wooden table.

Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet Delight

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Print Recipe

This Spicy Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet combines tender chicken, colorful peppers, black beans, and corn, all topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add diced chicken, season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Add diced bell peppers, cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in black beans and corn, cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet, cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added zest.

Notes

  • Feel free to add diced onions or jalapenos for extra flavor.
  • You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skillet (1/4 recipe)
  • Calories: 410 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

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