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One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, vibrant spices, and melty plant-based cheese all cooked together for a creamy, savory dish. This easy-to-make recipe delivers bold Southwest-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or cozy weekend treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, seasoned
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (such as cheddar-style or mozzarella-style), shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime

Spices

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (natural)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the turkey bacon and aromatics: Cook chopped smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the same pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Brown the chicken: Add the seasoned boneless chicken thighs to the pot, searing each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked to lock in moisture and flavor.
  3. Add peppers and spices: Toss in chopped bell peppers along with smoked paprika and chili powder (natural), stirring to coat the chicken and veggies evenly in the spices.
  4. Stir in rice and broth: Pour in the uncooked white rice, stirring well to mix it with the juices in the pot. Then add chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), scraping the bits from the bottom to incorporate all the flavor.
  5. Simmer until rice is tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is cooked through and tender.
  6. Add cheese and finish: Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle in the plant-based cheese and cooked turkey bacon, folding gently until melted and combined. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and freshly chopped cilantro for brightness.

Notes

  • Cut chicken and veggies into uniform sizes for even cooking.
  • Simmer rice covered without lifting the lid to prevent undercooking.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and avoid burning.
  • Adjust seasoning after cooking to get the perfect flavor balance.
  • Cool leftovers quickly before freezing to preserve texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: one-pot chicken and rice, cheesy chicken rice, southwest chicken recipe, plant-based cheese recipe, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/one-pot-cheesy-southwest-chicken-and-rice/