Menu

I am so in love with this Southwestern Fiesta Chicken! It’s so good, quick and easy. It’s perfect for throwing together on a weeknight, and it’s a million times better than anything you’ll get at a restaurant!Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

And seriously who not want to eat this gorgeous meal? It’s like a fiesta on a plate! There are so many fabulous fresh flavors going on here. A party on your plate and a party in your mouth!!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

And it’s seriously SO easy to make. Here’s all you need!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

How to Make Southwestern Fiesta Chicken

Let’s start by making the zesty cilantro lime rice. The rice is the base of this dish and gives the whole meal a fabulously fresh kick!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Just add rice, water, chopped cilantro, and the juice of one lime to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 14 minutes. Easy peasy! Keep covered and set aside for later.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Meanwhile, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and season with 1/2 packet (1.5 tablespoons) taco seasoning. I am using our favorite homemade taco seasoning.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Next, heat some olive oil in a very large skillet. A dutch oven, wok, or something with high sides might actually be better here. We’re going to be adding a lot to this fabulous dish!! :) When the oil is very hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes, until golden brown, flipping once halfway though.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. You might want to make extra because everyone will be snacking on these taco chicken nuggets!! ;)

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Turn the heat to high, and in the same skillet add the diced onions and bell peppers. I love using a frozen mix for this — it’s already diced for you! But you could also use 1 onion and 3 bell peppers (about 2 cups each after diced).

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Then add the corn — I am using frozen but you could use fresh. If it’s from a can just remember to drain it.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

And finally add the remaining taco seasoning.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are slightly blackened around the edges.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Turn heat to low, add the garlic, and stir until combined and fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Now add the beans and diced tomatoes (both drained)…

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

And finally the cooked rice and chicken. If you don’t have enough room in your skillet for the rice and chicken, just serve the chicken and veggies over the rice on individual plates. I just like to mix it all up before serving. :)

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Garnish plates with a little more chopped cilantro….

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

And top with diced avocado if desired! We LOVE the avocado addition. This dish is bursting with so many fresh, fabulous flavors. I cannot tell you how much we love it! Hope you enjoy!! :)

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken. Better than anything you'll get at a restaurant! Seriously who would not want to eat this?? It's like a fiesta on a plate!!

Print
Image of Southwestern Fiesta Chicken

Southwestern Fiesta Chicken

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 Minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Dutch Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

I am so in love with this Southwestern Fiesta Chicken! It’s so good, quick and easy. It’s perfect for throwing together on a weeknight, and it’s a million times better than anything you’ll get at a restaurant!

Scale

Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Rice

  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 23 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

For The Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 envelope (3 tablespoons) taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups diced onion (about 1 onion)
  • 2 cups diced bell peppers (about 3 bell peppers)
  • 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) cans Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles, drained
  • 1 avocado, diced

Instructions

  1. Add the rice, water, salt, lime juice, and cilantro to a medium pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 14 minutes. Set aside and keep covered.
  2. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with half of taco seasoning. In a very large skillet or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 minutes, until golden brown, flipping once halfway through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, increase the heat to high, and add the onions, bell peppers, corn, and remaining taco seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies are slightly blackened. Decrease heat to low, add garlic, and stir until combined and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add the drained black beans and tomatoes, rice, and chicken. Stir all to combine. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and top with diced avocado. Serve and enjoy!! :)

You May Also Like:

69 Responses
  1. Kelikaneki

    It will probably fall on deaf ears here at a meat-eating site but this recipe is easily veganized. I made half the recipe and it almost didn’t fit in my 12″ skillet. It was really tasty! My husband really liked it and that’s great because we’re having it tomorrow night too! Thank you for a very easy and delicious recipe that is going into my favorites list.






  2. Della McRae

    Hello I made this for our Sunday Dinner and it was a Hit item Yummy I’m going to pass this recipe on Family and Friends high ????






  3. Nikki

    I made this tonight for my meal prep. Your pictures make it seem like it doesn’t make as much as I ended up with. When I weighed for portions it was over 4 pounds. ? a pound a serving, I could barely finish it!! Does this seem about normal when you make it as well? I did have to add about 1/2 pound of chicken to get my protein but other than that followed the recipe! It was so so delicious and simple.

    1. Jarrod Chappell

      Where does the Rotel can come in to the recipe? I already saw the “cut tomatoes and peppers”, but buying a can of Rotel wasn’t included.

  4. Karen

    I make this recipe often. It’s not only delicious, it’s very good for you! I always save the leftovers and it’s just as yummy the next day!

  5. Vanessa

    Loved this recipe. I put it in a casserole dish , added cheese on top and popped into the oven for five minutes. Delicious!

  6. Lacey

    Delicious meal! Didn’t have all the ingredients, and had to substitute or exclude some items, but overall it turned out great! I loved the taco seasoning on the chicken, great idea! I’ll definitely be making this one again :)

  7. Joslyn

    Made this tonight for my 7 year old son and I. He loved it and so did i! Ended up using a different homemade taco seasoning recipe so it was a bit spicy for both of us, but he says i definitely should make again, and he is my biggest critic lol.
    I ended up throwing the beans and canned corn in at the same time and only used one green pepper and 1/4 Of a onion. I’m hoping it makes great leftovers for work lunches.
    Finally, a successful Pinterest recipe that we both love, thank you!

  8. Randi

    Loved this recipe! I finished it off with a few squeezes of lime juice —  my picky eater gobbled it up and my husband had a second helping. So flavorful! Thank you!

  9. Jennifer D

    A Pinterest find – and it was yummy! I will omit cilantro from cooking water because the color isn’t appetizing once cooked and will instead stir it into cooked rice. I used chicken thighs and it turned out moist (a consideration for those who tend to overcook chicken!) and flavorful thanks to sprinkling of seasoning. *I had to modify the taco seasoning due to what I had on hand – used a combo of salt, cumin, and chili powder. Loved the addition of fresh veggies at the end. A little bit of Chipotle action in my kitchen <3

  10. Andre Kime

    Have you ever made this in a crock pot? Ive made it and it’s delicious! But how awesome would it be to come home to this amazing aroma?!

  11. Deborah

    No words. This was DELICIOUS! My boyfriend devoured his plate in 5 minutes and went back for more. This was so easy and beyond yummy! New favorite recipe! Thank you!

  12. Kendall

    Hi! I loved this recipe! It was quick and easy but made sooo much! Do you have any suggestions on what I can make with the leftovers or does this freeze well?

  13. Almut

    Hallo Amanda & Kevin,
    der Blog von Euch ist “very nice”, nur auch sehr schade weil ich keinen translate Button finde.
    Ich habe kaaum gelegenheit “Englisch” zu sprechen und so verlernt man doch was man mal in der Schule gelernt hat. Es ist sehr anstrengend aber vielleicht sollte ich Euch zum Anlass nehmen und regelmäßig hier reinschauen damit es wieder besser und vor allem schneller und einfacher geht.

    Thanks, this recipe are great. Or is great? This looks delicious, beautiful colors. I will make it. Now im hungry….

    Liebst,
    Almut

  14. Cara

    This dinner idea looks perfect! My fiance and I make a lot of chicken and rice and we have been looking for a a recipe to change things up. Needless to say, we will be making this!

  15. Alli H

    First, I want to say….My husband and I have started low calorie diets. I awakened in the middle of the night one day about 3 weeks ago and I believe God guided me to your website. I had been asking Him to give me motivation to do something about my eating habits. So when I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep I grabbed my iPad and googled something (no clue) but came across the link to your post about your 1200 cal/day diet and success with it. This was all the motivation I needed! Been going strong since!

    Tried this recipe tonight and it was fantastic! I didn’t use Rotel because I didn’t have it, but had some roma tomatoes I diced and added. Which I think was awesome! That nice fresh tomato and less spice is just the ticket for me. I did recalculate the calories however because this made a TON of food! I would say 8 servings for us (about 1.5 cups per serving). So I got around 235 cals/serving.
    Thanks for the yummy healthy dinner!

  16. Karen

    Trying this tonight–We love the Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice! If anyone has a tweak that makes this one dish so the rice cooks in with everything else I would love to hear it.

  17. Gloria

    Wow this was so delicious. A little spicy for me but I loved it. I wouldn’t change a thing. This is the first time I made rice and it actually turned out. I like all the different flavors and textures. It made a lot for my husband and myself but we decided to freeze some. I didn’t have a few things like the Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies. But I had a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilies. I also didn’t add the avocado at the end because we wanted to make guacamole dip later on. Thank You for the delicious recipe.

  18. Anette

    I made this twice, with chicken and with hamburger (had on hand) and both times it was delicious. We ate it in tortillas, with corn chips as a dip as well as in lettuce wraps. This second time I made it I am taking it to my parents. I am sure they will love it too!

  19. Jessy

    This looks delicious! Any tips for keeping your chicken from overcooking? I don’t have much luck cooking chicken uncovered on the stovetop…

    1. Nbell

      Just brown on both sides, don’t cook all the way through to start with, once added to the rest of the ingredients and cooked together it will be just done. But not dry… and over cooked.

  20. Amy Jarrell

    Can you use the 5Minute rice instead of the stove version? I’m a working mommy and need to make it as quick/easy as possible. Looks Delish!

    1. Amanda

      Hi Amy! I have never made 5 minute rice, but it would probably be fine? However, with this recipe, if you start the rice first, it is done before the chicken & veggies, so it’s not like you’re saving any time with the 5 minute version. :) Hope this helps!

  21. Mary

    Amanda, I love your recipes! Thanks for sharing. Quick note…your homemade taco seasoning recipe didn’t come up and I REALLY want it! Help! :)

  22. Kim

    Hi there, I can’t wait to try this recipe. I made the Salsa Verde Chicken Pasta last night and my husband loved it! Thanks for sharing these recipes with us.

Do you have a question or comment?

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

READ MORE

Subscribe via Email: