Best 2 Southwest Chicken Dinner Recipes

Sizzling and bursting with flavor, the Southwest Chicken Dinner is a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds. Taking inspiration from the vibrant cuisine of the American Southwest, this dish combines tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, bold spices, and a hint of smoky heat. Whether you're hosting a lively gathering or seeking a taste adventure at home, the Southwest Chicken Dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, let's embark on a culinary expedition as we explore the best recipes for this mouthwatering dish and unveil the secrets to creating an unforgettable meal.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN DINNER

Southwest Chicken Dinner image

My family loves to order those gigantic takeout Tex-Mex burritos, but they can be expensive and we always have leftovers. I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the flavors they love, and that skips the tortilla. -Marquisha Turner, Aurora, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 cup canned black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
Pico de gallo, shredded Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, avocado, shredded lettuce or lime wedges, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine water, 1 tablespoon oil, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-17 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender., Meanwhile, sprinkle taco seasoning over both sides of chicken. In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°., In a microwave, heat beans until warmed. To serve, gently stir cilantro, lime zest and lime juice into rice; divide among four bowls. Cut chicken into slices. Place chicken and beans over rice; top as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

CINDY'S SOUTHWEST CHICKEN DINNER SALAD

Cindy's Southwest Chicken Dinner Salad image

This is a recipe I made up by taking a few things from a couple different recipes to fit into our own tastes. I used a marinade on the chicken that is half western dressing & half italian dressing that our butcher store here at home makes...it is wonderful and a pink color...then just grill them up and slice onto your salad. You can use any marinated chicken breasts that fit your families tastes.

Provided by CIndytc

Categories Corn

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 lbs marinated boneless chicken breasts, grilled
4 stalks romaine lettuce, chopped
1 1/2 cups kernel corn
1 1/2 cups black beans
1 1/2 cups shredded mexican cheese
bacon bits
2 eggs, hard boiled and sliced
2 avocados, diced
3/4 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup salsa, of your choice
2 teaspoons dried taco seasoning mix

Steps:

Grill your chicken breasts, and slice thin.
Roast your corn kernals over high heat in a pan with a little oil (you can add a tsp or 2 of packaged Fahita mix to it as it roasts for a more spicy taste if you like).
layer everything onto large plates. Place sliced chicken on top and crumble some nacho chips on top if you like. Drizzle dressing on top and enjoy -- .

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1141.9, Fat 77.1, SaturatedFat 22.1, Cholesterol 315.2, Sodium 1618.2, Carbohydrate 43.4, Fiber 14.7, Sugar 8.3, Protein 71.9

Tips:

Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and avoid scrambling.

Choose the Right Pan: Use a large skillet or Dutch oven that is big enough to hold all of the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding. A heavy-bottomed pan will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the food from sticking.

Season Generously: Don't be afraid to season your chicken and vegetables with plenty of herbs and spices. This will help to create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Cook the Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure that the chicken is cooked all the way through before serving. You can check this by using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Don't Overcook the Vegetables: Vegetables should be cooked until they are tender-crisp. Overcooking them will make them mushy and bland.

Serve Immediately: Southwest chicken dinner is best served immediately after it is cooked. This will ensure that the chicken is juicy and the vegetables are still crisp.

Conclusion:

Southwest chicken dinner is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. With its bold flavors and colorful ingredients, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, give southwest chicken dinner a try. You won't be disappointed!