Southwest Chicken

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and lean protein. You’ll slice these horizontally to create thinner cutlets, ensuring they cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: A foundational spice that adds aromatic depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• ½ tsp cumin: Essential for that authentic Southwest smoky, earthy flavor. Cumin is a cornerstone of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the chicken and spices.
• ¼ tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complements the other spices beautifully. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best flavor.
• 1 lime juiced: Fresh lime juice is key! It brightens the entire dish, adds a zesty tang, and tenderizes the chicken, bringing all the Southwest flavors to life.
• ½ cup shredded Mexican style cheese: A blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco melts beautifully and adds a creamy, rich finish. Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

Southwest Mixture

This vibrant medley is what truly defines the “Southwest” character of the dish, providing texture, color, and a medley of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

• 1 cup frozen corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels add a delightful pop of color and natural sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the savory elements. Frozen corn is convenient and thaws quickly when mixed.
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans offer a hearty, earthy component and a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Rinsing them removes excess sodium and starch.
• 4 oz can diced green chilis: These mild chilis provide a gentle, earthy heat and distinct flavor without being overly spicy, making the dish accessible to most palates.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous, and bright finish, characteristic of Southwest cuisine. If you’re not a fan, parsley can be a mild substitute, or simply omit.
• 1 diced jalapeno: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a diced fresh jalapeno adds a welcome spicy kick. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in for more fire.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the chicken and cheese won’t stick and makes for easier cleanup later. A little oil or cooking spray goes a long way here.

• Step 2: Butterfly and Season the Chicken. Take the two large chicken breasts and carefully slice each one horizontally through the middle, creating four thinner cutlets. This technique, known as butterflying, allows the chicken to cook faster and more evenly, and provides a larger surface area for seasoning. Place these four chicken pieces in your prepared baking dish. Generously season both sides of each chicken piece with the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rub the spices in for maximum flavor infusion.

• Step 3: Assemble the Southwest Mixture. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the “Southwest Mixture” ingredients: the frozen corn, drained and rinsed black beans, diced green chilis, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced jalapeno (if using). Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. This colorful and flavorful mixture is the heart of your dish.

• Step 4: Combine and Bake. Evenly spoon the prepared Southwest mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Try to distribute it so each piece of chicken is covered. Next, drizzle the fresh lime juice over the entire dish; this adds a crucial layer of zesty brightness. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over everything. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. To ensure the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

• Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Southwest Chicken with your favorite side dishes!