Name: Baked Southwest Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast; 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn; 1 can diced green chiles; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cumin; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper

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This Baked Southwest Chicken is a mouthwatering, one-pan meal that's bursting with southwestern flavors. It's a perfect balance of tender chicken, seasoned with bold spices, topped with a savory mix of black beans, corn, green chiles, and red bell peppers. The dish is finished with a melt-in-your-mouth layer of colby jack cheese, making it an irresistible comfort food that can be served over rice, in tortillas, or alongside a fresh salad. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Southwest Chicken is a breeze to make, combining delicious, hearty ingredients into one flavorful dish. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables gives it a kick of southwestern heat, while the melty cheese adds richness and comfort. Plus, it’s customizable – you can serve it over rice, in tortillas, or with your favorite side dishes. It’s a versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s easy to prep and bake, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn
1 can diced green chiles
½ red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Seasoning

Mix the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.

Prepare the Corn and Bean Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the corn, black beans, diced green chiles, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.

Assemble the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts flat in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Then, spread the corn mixture evenly on top of the chicken.

Add the Cheese

Top with shredded colby jack cheese.

Bake

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If the cheese begins to brown too much, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, southwestern-inspired dish!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Storage/Reheating

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I use frozen corn in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen corn instead of canned. Just thaw it before mixing it into the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I add other vegetables to the corn and bean mixture?

Feel free to get creative! You can add diced zucchini, jalapeños, or even a handful of spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free ingredients (such as tortillas if you choose to serve it that way).

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute colby jack cheese with other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.

Can I make this dish spicier?

If you love spice, add some diced jalapeños to the corn and bean mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the chicken before baking.

How can I serve this dish?

This dish is versatile and can be served over rice, in tortillas as a wrap or tacos, or with a side of salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just ensure the chicken is properly cooled before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.

Conclusion

Baked Southwest Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying. With its mix of spices, beans, corn, and cheese, it's a family-friendly meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it over rice, in a wrap, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Baked Southwest Chicken

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

This Baked Southwest Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make one-pan meal packed with southwestern flavors. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of garlic, cumin, and spices, then topped with a savory mixture of black beans, corn, green chiles, and red bell peppers. Finished with melty colby jack cheese, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it over rice, in tortillas, or with a fresh salad for a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Seasoning: Mix the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Prepare the Corn and Bean Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the corn, black beans, diced green chiles, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Stir well.
Assemble the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, then top with the corn mixture.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If the cheese begins to brown too much, cover with foil for the remaining cook time.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, paired with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.