Introduction

This one pan Southwest Chicken and Rice Fajita Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful meal bursting with bold spices, fresh veggies, and hearty protein from chicken and black beans. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights and makes delicious leftovers topped with your favorite garnishes.

The image shows a white enameled skillet filled with a colorful layered dish. The bottom layer is yellow rice mixed with black beans, corn, and slices of red and green bell peppers. On top, there are five golden brown grilled chicken pieces scattered evenly. The whole dish is sprinkled with melted cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves, adding bright green color and texture. A silver spoon is scooping some of the rice mixture from the right side of the skillet. Around the skillet, there is a white marbled surface with a half avocado on a white plate and a small white bowl of pink pickled onions nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Spice mixture: 1 ½ teaspoons cumin, 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander, 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (or adobo seasoning), 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil, divided

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 orange bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 to 2 tablespoons fresh grated turmeric (wear gloves if desired)

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed and drained

1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)

¾ cup corn off the cob (fresh, frozen, or canned)

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

¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 scallions, thinly sliced

For serving: lime wedges, plain Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, your favorite salsa, jalapeño slices, pickled red onion

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix cumin, coriander, chili powder, paprika, salt, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and black pepper until combined.

Step 2: Place chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the spice blend. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe dutch oven or braiser over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add another tablespoon of oil. Add onion and bell peppers, cooking 5 to 8 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 5: Stir in fresh turmeric, garlic, and remaining spice mixture, cooking until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add rice and stir 30 seconds to coat with spices.

Step 6: Pour in broth, then stir in corn and black beans. Nestle chicken and juices on top of the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 7: Cover and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 8: Remove skillet from oven, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.

Step 9: Garnish with cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with desired toppings like Greek yogurt, avocado, salsa, jalapeños, and pickled red onion. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Feel free to substitute or add veggies like zucchini or yellow squash depending on what you have on hand.

To make this dish dairy-free, omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Adjust spiciness by omitting cayenne pepper when cooking for children or those sensitive to heat.

If fresh turmeric isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon ground turmeric.

Using brown rice is not recommended as it requires longer cooking times; try quinoa or cauliflower rice if you wish to experiment.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in this recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh turmeric?

If fresh turmeric is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric to still achieve that warm, aromatic flavor and color.

Dinner

One Pan Southwest Chicken and Rice Fajita Skillet Recipe