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Ultimate Southwest Chicken Skillet: A Quick, Flavorful One-Pan Dinner

5 from 2 votes

Southwest Chicken Skillet

By:

Julia Pacheco

Craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and comes together in just one pan? Look no further than this Southwest Chicken Skillet! This recipe is a vibrant symphony of bold, zesty spices, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and tender shredded chicken, creating a quick, robust, and utterly delicious dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a complete meal on its own, delivering a fantastic blend of textures and authentic Southwest flair with minimal cleanup.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

15 minutes

Total:

25 minutes

Servings:

4
servings

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This Southwest Chicken Skillet isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the American Southwest, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet wholesome dinner, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beauty of a skillet meal lies in its simplicity – everything cooks in one pan, concentrating the delicious aromas and making cleanup a breeze. We’re talking tender, juicy shredded chicken infused with smoky spices, brightened by zesty lime, and combined with nutrient-rich black beans, sweet corn, and crisp bell peppers. This dish is designed to satisfy, offering a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, you’ll appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and come together quickly to create a meal that tastes like it took hours. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your palate. Get ready to add this Southwest Chicken Skillet to your regular dinner rotation – it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients beforehand, often called “mise en place,” will make the cooking process even smoother. This recipe relies on fresh vegetables and pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly. Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time!

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2
tbs
olive oil (extra virgin or regular)
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1
white onion, chopped (for a sweeter flavor, a yellow onion works well too)
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1
red bell pepper, chopped (any color bell pepper will work, but red adds a nice sweetness and color)
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1
tbs
minced garlic (freshly minced offers the best flavor)
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1 14
oz
can drained and rinsed black beans (rinsing reduces sodium and improves texture)
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1 14
oz
can of corn (drained, or use frozen corn, thawed)
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2
cups
cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, or cook and shred chicken breasts/thighs)
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2
tsp
chili powder (good quality chili powder makes a big difference)
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1
tsp
cumin (freshly ground, if possible, for enhanced aroma)
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1
tsp
paprika (smoked paprika can add an extra layer of flavor)
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½
tsp
salt (adjust to taste)
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¼
tsp
pepper (freshly ground black pepper for best results)
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Juice from 1 lime (freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for brightness)

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Southwest Chicken Skillet. The key is to build flavors layer by layer, ensuring each ingredient contributes to the overall robust taste of the dish.

Begin by adding the olive oil to a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. Heat it on medium heat until shimmering. Once hot, add the chopped red bell peppers and white onions. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavor of your skillet. Don’t rush it; allowing the vegetables to properly soften brings out their natural sweetness.
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately follow by adding the drained and rinsed black beans, the drained corn, and the cooked shredded chicken. Stir everything together. Now, it’s time to introduce the aromatic seasonings: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle them evenly over the ingredients in the pan. Continue to cook and stir for about five minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully and the spices to toast slightly, enhancing their depth.
Once everything is heated through and the flavors have combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the juice from one fresh lime over the entire mixture. Stir it in thoroughly. The fresh lime juice provides a wonderful zesty tang that cuts through the richness of the spices and truly brightens the overall profile of the dish, adding that quintessential Southwest finish.
Serve your Southwest Chicken Skillet hot, directly from the pan or portioned onto plates. I particularly enjoy topping mine with a generous dollop of cool sour cream, creamy sliced avocado, a sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices), and perhaps a handful of fresh cilantro for extra freshness. This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal but also pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, a side of rice, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Tips for a Perfect Southwest Chicken Skillet

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: To truly make this a 25-minute meal, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. Simply shred the meat, and you’re good to go. If cooking chicken from scratch, boil or bake chicken breasts and then shred them.
Don’t Overcook Vegetables: You want the onions and peppers to be soft but still retain a slight bite, adding texture to the dish.
Spice Level Adjustment: If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) along with the bell peppers. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder slightly.
Fresh Lime is Key: Bottled lime juice won’t give you the same bright, fresh flavor. Always opt for fresh lime juice for the best results.
Skillet Choice: A large cast-iron skillet not only cooks beautifully but also keeps the food warm at the table and looks great for serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Southwest Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

Classic Bowl: Serve as is, topped with your favorite fresh garnishes like sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or even a dash of hot sauce.
Taco/Burrito Filling: Spoon the skillet mixture into warm flour or corn tortillas for instant tacos or burritos. Add lettuce, salsa, and guacamole for a complete meal.
Quesadillas: Use the chicken mixture as a delicious filling between two tortillas with plenty of cheese, then grill until golden and crispy.
Over Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a more substantial meal that absorbs all the wonderful juices. Quinoa is another excellent grain option.
Salad Topper: Let the skillet cool slightly, then serve it over a crisp bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a healthy and hearty salad.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach (add at the very end), or even sweet potatoes (cook them longer with the onions and peppers).
Cheesy Finish: For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the skillet in the last minute of cooking, then cover the pan until melted and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Skillet

This recipe isn’t just about feeding your hunger; it’s about delighting your taste buds and simplifying your life. The combination of savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Southwest spices creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s truly a one-pan wonder, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal with family or friends. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice that will keep you feeling full and energized. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick, delicious dinner after a long day, this Southwest Chicken Skillet ticks all the boxes.

Video

Watch the full recipe video to see exactly how this delicious Southwest Chicken Skillet comes together, complete with helpful tips and visual cues for each step.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is provided as an estimate based on the ingredients listed. It should only be used as an approximation and may vary depending on specific brands and exact measurements.

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