Southwest Skillet Chicken Recipe

Experience the harmonious blend of zesty citrus, smoky spices, succulent chicken, and hearty beans in this Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn recipe. This one-skillet wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to impress guests.

Photos of Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Recipe

The majority of these ingredients are pantry staples, but keep an eye out for smoked paprika and ground coriander when you head to the supermarket. While they're not as common, these spices add a distinct smoky and earthy flavor that makes this dish truly stand out.

Ingredients for Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

Chicken tenders: These are lean and tender, perfect for a quick-cooking skillet dish.

Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of all other ingredients.

Ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, smoked paprika: These spices create a Southwest flavor profile.

Limes: The zest and juice add a zesty, tangy flavor.

Garlic: Gives a savory note.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

Green pepper, red pepper, yellow onion: These vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrients.

Frozen corn: Adds a sweet contrast to the savory components.

Black beans: A protein-rich ingredient that makes the dish hearty.

Cilantro: Gives a fresh, herby finish to the dish.

Cooked rice or tortillas: Serve the skillet chicken over rice or wrapped in tortillas for a complete meal.

One reader, Gerrard Crider says:

This southwest skillet chicken with beans and corn recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the chicken is incredibly tender. The combination of spices and veggies creates a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for a cozy dinner. It's now a family favorite in our household!

Gerrard Crider

Key Techniques for Making Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

How to marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken tenders with kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, sugar, ground coriander, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, and vegetable oil in a zip-top bag. Ensure the chicken is coated with the marinade, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

How to cook the chicken and vegetables: Sear the marinated chicken in a skillet with vegetable oil, then add diced onions, peppers, and corn. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, then uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add black beans and cook for another 3 minutes until warmed through.

How to serve: Place a chicken breast on each plate, top with the cooked vegetables, spoon pan sauces over the chicken, and garnish with minced cilantro. Serve with tortillas or rice.

How To Make Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

Marinated in lime and a mix of spices, this skillet chicken brims with bright, savory flavors. Toss with corn and peppers for a tasty Southwestern dinner.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Marinade:

1½lbschicken tenders,tenderloin, or thinly sliced chicken breasts, boneless skinless
1¼tspkosher salt
1tspground cumin
¾tspchili powder
½tspfreshly ground black pepper
½tbspgranulated sugar
½tspground coriander
½tspsmoked paprika
2limes,zested
1½tbsplime juice,from about half a lime
2clovesgarlic,minced
2tbspvegetable oil

For Vegetables:

2tspvegetable oil
1medium green pepper
1medium red pepper
½medium yellow onion
1cupfrozen corn
15ozblack beans,(1 can), drained and rinsed
cilantro,for garnish, optional
cooked rice or tortillas,to serve

Instructions

Use a sharpie to write the date and title of the recipe on a gallon-sized zip-top bag to easily look up the recipe. Alternatively, write the cooking instructions on the bag and date it.
Roll down the opening of the bag a little to not get raw chicken juices on the outside of the zip top. Add the chicken, spices, zest, lime juice, garlic, and vegetable oil.
Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag. Smoosh the chicken around so it’s coated in the marinade.
Lay the chicken flat in the freezer and freeze for up to 6 months. Alternatively, skip the freezer and let it marinate in the fridge for 2 hours and up to 2 days, then cook it according to the directions.
When ready to cook, take the chicken out of the freezer in the morning and it will be ready to cook by the end of the day.
Dice the peppers, dice the onion, measure the corn, and drain and rinse the beans.
Set a large skillet over medium heat add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and any marinade from the bag.
If any chicken is folded up, unfold it so it lays flat in the pan. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, then flip it.
Add onions, corn, and peppers. Cover with a lid. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes.
Lift the lid and stir the meat and vegetables together. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes.
Add the beans and cook for another 3 minutes until the beans warm through. The meat is cooked when a breast is sliced open and the juices run clear.
Put a chicken breast on each plate and top with vegetables. Spoon pan sauces over chicken. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Garnish with minced cilantro and serve with tortillas or rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 646.24kcal
Fat: 25.62g
Saturated Fat: 4.44g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.47g
Carbohydrates: 73.67g
Fiber: 14.69g
Sugar: 5.76g
Protein: 33.64g
Cholesterol: 46.49mg
Sodium: 684.54mg
Calcium: 133.62mg
Potassium: 1500.19mg
Iron: 5.67mg
Vitamin A: 57.36µg
Vitamin C: 53.13mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Southwest Skillet Chicken

When marinating chicken, it's important to ensure that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade for optimal flavor absorption. To achieve this, after sealing the bag, massage the marinade into the chicken through the bag. This will not only ensure that the marinade is evenly distributed, but it also reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, laying the bag flat in the freezer will allow the chicken to freeze evenly and thaw more quickly when you're ready to cook.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Skillet Chicken Recipe

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months, allowing for quick and easy meal prep.

Efficient chopping: Cut all the vegetables in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, saving time during meal preparation.

One-pan wonder: Utilize a large skillet to cook the entire dish in one pan, minimizing clean-up and saving time on washing multiple dishes.

Quick fix: Opt for pre-cooked or canned beans to reduce cooking time and simplify the recipe preparation.

Smart serving: Serve the dish with pre-cooked rice or tortillas for a convenient and time-saving meal option.

Substitute Ingredients For Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Recipe

chicken tenders - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for chicken tenders in this recipe. Simply cut the chicken breast into strips or chunks to mimic the size and texture of chicken tenders.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in this recipe. Use it in the same quantity as kosher salt for a similar level of saltiness.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for ground cumin in this recipe. It has a similar citrusy and earthy flavor that complements the other spices in the marinade.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder in this recipe. It will provide a mild, smoky flavor without the heat of chili powder.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar in the marinade. It will add a touch of sweetness and help caramelize the chicken when cooked.
frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can be used as a substitute for frozen corn in this recipe. Drain the canned corn before adding it to the skillet.
black beans - Substitute with kidney beans: Kidney beans can be used as a substitute for black beans in this recipe. They have a similar texture and will provide a hearty addition to the skillet.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro if you prefer a milder herb flavor. It will still add a fresh, green element to the dish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice in the marinade. It will provide a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.

Presentation Tips for Southwest Skillet Chicken

Elevate the plating: Arrange the Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the peppers, corn, and beans are showcased beautifully.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a touch of freshness and elegance by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens, such as cilantro or arugula, to provide a pop of color and a hint of earthy flavor.
Utilize a unique serving vessel: Present the dish in a stylish and modern serving vessel, such as a sleek ceramic bowl or a rustic cast iron skillet, to enhance the visual appeal and create a memorable dining experience.
Create a harmonious balance: Ensure that each element of the dish is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing presentation, allowing the vibrant ingredients to shine.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Add a touch of finesse by drizzling a vibrant sauce or a swirl of flavorful oil around the perimeter of the dish, enhancing the overall presentation with artistic flair.
Highlight the chicken tenders: Showcase the succulent chicken tenders as the focal point of the dish, arranging them strategically to draw attention and create an enticing visual centerpiece.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate a contrasting element, such as a crispy tortilla chip or a sprinkle of toasted corn kernels, to add textural interest and elevate the overall dining experience.
Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Introduce a touch of sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers, such as marigold petals or nasturtium blooms, to add a subtle floral note and elevate the dish's visual appeal.
Incorporate a dusting of spice: Finish the presentation with a light dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder to add a hint of warmth and depth, creating a visually striking and enticing final touch.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

Sharpie: A permanent marker used for labeling and writing on zip-top bags.
Gallon-sized zip-top bag: A large, resealable plastic bag used for marinating and storing food.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
Lid: A cover for the skillet, used to trap heat and steam while cooking.
Large skillet: A wide, shallow pan with a long handle, used for cooking a variety of dishes.
Vegetable oil: A neutral-flavored oil used for cooking and frying.
Sharp knife: A cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
Measuring cup: A tool used for accurately measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
Measuring spoon: A tool used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for flipping and turning food while cooking.
Tongs: A gripping tool used for handling and turning food while cooking.
Lime squeezer: A tool used for extracting juice from limes.
Zester: A tool used for grating the outer peel of citrus fruits.
Garlic press: A tool used for crushing and mincing garlic cloves.
Freezer: A cold storage compartment used for freezing food.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Colander: A perforated bowl used for draining and rinsing food items.
Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving food.
Tortillas or rice: Optional accompaniments for serving the dish.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Southwest Skillet Chicken

To store leftovers, allow the southwest skillet chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the dish and prevent the chicken from drying out.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled southwest skillet chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
To thaw, transfer the frozen southwest skillet chicken to the refrigerator overnight or place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Reheat the thawed southwest skillet chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water if needed to help restore moisture.
Alternatively, reheat the thawed dish in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
If you plan to freeze the dish, consider slightly undercooking the vegetables to prevent them from becoming too soft when reheated.
Avoid freezing the southwest skillet chicken with rice or tortillas, as these items may become mushy upon thawing and reheating. Instead, prepare fresh rice or tortillas when serving the reheated dish.

How To Reheat Leftover Southwest Skillet Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover southwest skillet chicken to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and place it in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Stir the chicken, beans, and corn halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a crispy texture to your reheated southwest skillet chicken, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftovers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy.
For a more flavorful twist, reheat the leftovers in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or salsa. This will add moisture and extra flavor to the dish. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
If you have leftover rice or tortillas, consider making a burrito or wrap with the reheated southwest skillet chicken. Simply warm the tortilla in a skillet, fill it with the heated leftovers, and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese.

Interesting Fact About Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn

Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn is a popular Tex-Mex dish that combines the flavors of chicken, beans, and corn with a variety of spices and vegetables. It's a versatile recipe that can be served with rice or tortillas, making it a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Is Making Southwest Skillet Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

This southwest skillet chicken with beans and corn recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken tenders, black beans, and corn, are affordable and readily available. The use of simple spices and vegetables enhances the flavor without adding significant cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Southwest Skillet Chicken Recipe Healthy?

The southwest skillet chicken with beans and corn recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the beans and corn add dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika adds flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of vegetable oil used in the marinade and for cooking the vegetables to lower the overall fat content
Opt for low-sodium black beans to decrease the sodium levels in the dish
Include additional non-starchy vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
Serve the dish with whole-grain tortillas or brown rice instead of white rice to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and fiber

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables to provide a wider range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to increase protein and reduce fat content
Add a side salad with leafy greens and a light vinaigrette to boost the overall vegetable intake
Experiment with different spice blends to keep the flavors interesting and reduce the need for added salt or sugar

Editor's Opinion on This Southwest Skillet Chicken Dish

This Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty and smoky notes, while the combination of peppers, corn, and black beans creates a colorful and hearty accompaniment. The recipe's versatility, allowing for both immediate cooking or convenient freezer storage, adds to its appeal. The dish's vibrant presentation and aromatic appeal make it a delightful addition to any dining experience.

Enhance Your Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Mango Salsa: A refreshing and tangy salsa made with ripe mangoes, red onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime juice.

Creamy Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing: A creamy and zesty dressing made with ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a burst of lime flavor.

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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Southwest Skillet Chicken

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a flavorful filling using a combination of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs to stuff into large mushroom caps. Bake until golden and serve hot.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Coat large shrimp in a seasoned flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, then coat in shredded coconut. Fry until golden brown and serve with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake. The contrast between the molten center and the slightly crisp exterior creates a delightful sensory experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Apple Crisp: Savor the comforting warmth and aromatic spices of a homemade apple crisp. The tender, cinnamon-infused apples are topped with a buttery, oat-streusel topping that provides a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Why trust this Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Recipe:

This recipe offers a tantalizing blend of southwest flavors that will transport your taste buds to a culinary fiesta. The marinade infuses the chicken tenders with a harmonious mix of spices and citrusy lime juice, ensuring a burst of zesty goodness in every bite. The addition of vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, and hearty black beans creates a colorful and nutritious medley. With the convenience of marinating ahead or cooking straight from the freezer, this recipe promises a hassle-free and delightful dining experience. Trust in this recipe for a sensational southwest skillet chicken that will elevate your mealtime.

Share your thoughts on the Southwest Skillet Chicken with Beans and Corn Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for chicken tenders in this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs as a substitute for chicken tenders. Simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?

Yes, you can definitely use fresh corn instead of frozen corn. Simply cut the kernels off the cob and use them in the recipe.

Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?

Absolutely! Canned black beans work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the skillet.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and freeze it for up to 6 months. You can also prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.

What can I serve with this southwest skillet chicken?

This southwest skillet chicken pairs well with cooked rice, tortillas, or even a side of quinoa. You can also serve it with a side of avocado, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.