Description
Southwestern chicken and black bean skillet brings bold flavors dancing across your plate, merging zesty spices with hearty ingredients. Robust protein and smoky seasonings create a quick, satisfying meal that delivers comfort and excitement in each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 1 (10 ounces/283 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling foundation for the dish.
- Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, coating them with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring each piece is infused with robust southwestern flavors.
- Incorporate colorful bell peppers and diced onions into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a harmonious vegetable base.
- Gently fold in black beans, sweet corn kernels, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let the mixture simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, complex flavor profile while slightly reducing the liquid.
- Cascade a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, covering the skillet to create a melted, gooey blanket that unifies the dish’s components.
- Finish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves across the surface, adding a bright, herbaceous note. Serve immediately with tangy lime wedges on the side for an optional citrusy burst of freshness.
Notes
- Spice Intensity Control: Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat preference, keeping the flavor profile authentic but personalized.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian or different protein diet requirements.
- Quick Meal Prep: Dice vegetables and measure spices beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
- Leftover Magic: Store remaining skillet contents in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner reheat option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg