15-Minute Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet

This 15-Minute Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, black beans, corn, and green chiles, all seasoned with southwestern spices. Finished with a splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
• Flavorful: Packed with southwestern spices, green chiles, and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Nutritious: High in protein and fiber, offering a balanced meal.
• Versatile: Can be served on its own, over rice, or with tortillas.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well, making it great for meal prepping.

Ingredients

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

• Olive oil
• Red onion
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Red bell pepper
• Black beans
• Corn
• Canned diced green chiles
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Coriander
• Salt and pepper
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion and sauté until translucent.
2. Cook Chicken and Peppers: Add bite-sized chicken pieces and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
3. Add Beans and Corn: Stir in black beans, corn, and canned green chiles (with their juice).
4. Season: Sprinkle ground cumin, chili powder, coriander, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Finish: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
7. Serve: Enjoy warm on its own, over rice, or with tortillas.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with additional beans or tofu.
• Different Proteins: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
• Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 4 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQs

What can I serve with this skillet dish?

You can serve it over rice, with tortillas, or alongside a fresh green salad.

Can I use canned corn instead of frozen?

Yes, both canned (drained) and frozen (thawed) corn work well in this recipe.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

The recipe is dairy-free as written. Just avoid adding cheese or sour cream as toppings.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the skillet as directed, cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat when ready to serve.

What other beans can I use?

Pinto beans or kidney beans can be used as alternatives to black beans.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions. Add them when cooking the bell peppers.

How do I make it less spicy?

Use mild green chiles and reduce or omit the chili powder.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Certainly! Add shredded rotisserie chicken after sautéing the onions and peppers, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions are excellent choices.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a fast dinner option, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the vibrant southwestern flavors and feel free to customize it to your liking!

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