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A vibrant chicken skillet featuring golden-brown chicken pieces topped with melted cheese, garnished with chopped cilantro and colorful bell peppers, served in a rustic black skillet set on a wooden table with fresh ingredients in the background.

Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet Recipe

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Discover the bold and spicy flavors of the Southwest Cheesy Chicken Skillet, a quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts cooked with southwest spices, colorful peppers, and melted cheese make this dish irresistibly savory and satisfying. Ideal for a family dinner or a flavorful weeknight treat.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra spice

Instructions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped red onion and bell peppers. Cook until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute for aroma.
  4. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cover to melt the cheese thoroughly.
  5. Once melted, squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Add sliced jalapeños for spicy kick.

Notes

  • _;You can customize the spice level with more jalapeños or chili powder.
  • _;Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results.
  • _;Reheat leftovers in microwave or stovetop, adding extra cheese or herbs for flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing, Searing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 390 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg