Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet

$To make this dish, you will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped These ingredients bring a burst of flavor and color. The chicken provides protein, while the beans and corn add fiber. The spices make the dish zesty and fun. You can make your skillet even better with these toppings: - 1 avocado, diced (for topping) - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional) Adding avocado gives a creamy texture. Shredded cheese adds a rich flavor and melts beautifully on top. To cook this dish, you need: - A large skillet - A sharp knife for cutting - A cutting board - A spatula for stirring Using a large skillet helps cook everything evenly. A good knife and cutting board make prep easy. First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 avocado, diced (for topping) - 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional) Next, wash and chop all vegetables. This makes cooking easier. Get your skillet ready, too. To start cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be soft and clear. Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute. The smell will be amazing! Add the chicken pieces next. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika on top. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is browned and no longer pink inside. Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red and green bell peppers. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want them to be tender. Now, stir in the black beans and corn. Mix everything well. Let it heat for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, squeeze the lime juice over the skillet. Add the chopped cilantro and mix again. If you want cheese, sprinkle it on top. Cover the skillet for 2 minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly. Serve the dish right from the skillet for a fun family meal. You can also plate individual portions. Top each dish with diced avocado. For a nice touch, add extra cilantro and lime wedges. This makes the meal look great and adds extra flavor. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. Enjoy your Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet! To cook chicken well, start with even-sized pieces. Cut them into bite-sized chunks. This helps them cook at the same rate. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers before adding the chicken. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often to brown all sides. Check if the center is cooked; it should be no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer if needed. The chicken should reach 165°F for safety. To make your Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet pop, adjust the spices. Add more chili powder for heat or cumin for warmth. If you like it milder, reduce the chili powder. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, so squeeze it just before serving. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Don't forget fresh herbs! Chopped cilantro gives a fresh taste. Experiment with other herbs like parsley or green onions for new flavors. Pairing your skillet meal with sides can enhance the experience. Serve it with warm tortillas or rice for a filling meal. A simple green salad with lime dressing complements the flavors well. You can also serve it with guacamole or salsa for extra zest. Consider corn on the cob or grilled vegetables for a fresh touch. These sides add color and balance to your meal. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for inspiration! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Replace the chicken with extra veggies or plant-based protein. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You can also add tofu for protein. The spices still add flavor, and the beans keep it hearty. If you want to switch proteins, you have options. Use shrimp, turkey, or beef instead of chicken. Each protein changes the taste and texture. Adjust cooking times to ensure your protein cooks through. For shrimp, cook until they turn pink. For beef, cook until brown. You can change the flavor by adding different spices. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Prefer a milder taste? Use less chili powder. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also change the dish. Feel free to get creative and match it to your taste. After cooking, let the Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet cool. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it promptly to keep it safe. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, warm it over medium heat, stirring gently. This keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies tender. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the full recipe for more details on making this delicious meal! It takes about 25 minutes to cook this dish. You spend 15 minutes prepping. The cooking time is around 10 minutes. This quick meal fits into any busy schedule. Yes, you can make Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Just reheat it when you're ready to eat. If you want a substitute for chicken, try using shrimp or tofu. Both options add great flavor. You can also use turkey if you prefer poultry. Each option will give the dish a unique twist. The dish has mild heat from chili powder. If you want more spice, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder. Taste as you cook to find your perfect heat level. This skillet meal pairs well with rice or tortillas. You can also serve it with a side salad or chips. For a refreshing touch, add lime wedges or extra cilantro on top. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas on sides! This blog post covered everything you need for the Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfect cooking. You learned about storage methods and answers to common questions. Now, get ready to make a vibrant dish your family will love. With simple tweaks, you can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal!$

Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet

Spice up your dinner routine with this delicious Zesty Southwest Chicken Skillet! This easy one-pan meal combines tender chicken, bell peppers, black beans, and corn, all seasoned to perfection. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights! Top it off with fresh avocado and cheese for a burst of flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Juice of 1 lime

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 avocado, diced (for topping)

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend, optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through.

Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender.

Stir in the black beans and corn, mixing everything together. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Squeeze the lime juice over the skillet and mix in the chopped cilantro.

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Remove from heat, and top with diced avocado before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large skillet family-style or plate individual portions, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for an appetizing presentation.