Mediterranean One-Pot Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Rice Skillet with Cottage Lime Crema
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
This one-pot Mediterranean-inspired Southwest skillet is a flavorful, hearty, and easy-to-make meal. Tender chicken, black beans, and rice are cooked together with aromatic spices, bell peppers, and onions for a simple, satisfying dinner. A creamy cottage lime crema adds a bright, tangy finish, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is filling, flavorful, and cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single skillet.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1.5 cups chicken broth
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
For the Cottage Lime Crema:
½ cup cottage cheese
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Rice and Spices:
Stir in the rinsed rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast lightly.
Add Liquids and Beans:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the black beans. Stir to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet.
Cook the Skillet:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Prepare Cottage Lime Crema:
In a small bowl, blend cottage cheese with lime juice and chopped cilantro until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
Serve:
Spoon the chicken and rice mixture onto plates or bowls and drizzle with the cottage lime crema. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Tips
Uniform Chicken Pieces:
Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Rice Prep:
Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
Layer Flavors:
Toast the rice briefly with spices before adding liquid to deepen flavor.
Check Liquid Levels:
If the rice absorbs too quickly, add a splash of water or extra broth to prevent sticking or burning.
Rest Before Serving:
Let the skillet sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to finish absorbing liquid and flavors to meld.
Smooth Crema:
For an extra creamy lime crema, blend cottage cheese in a small blender or use an immersion blender.
Variations
Vegetable Boost:
Add diced zucchini, corn, or spinach during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
Spice Level:
Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño for a spicier version.
Cheese Option:
Sprinkle crumbled feta or shredded cheddar on top for a Mediterranean twist.
Protein Swap:
Use diced turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Grain Swap:
Substitute rice with quinoa, brown rice, or farro for different textures and nutrition profiles.
Creamy Variation:
Mix some Greek yogurt into the lime crema for extra tang and creaminess.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the skillet and let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add the lime crema fresh before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving but may need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace chicken with extra black beans, chickpeas, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Yes. Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chopped fresh chili when cooking the rice and chicken for extra heat.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly and top with fresh lime crema after thawing.
Nutrition
(per serving, assuming 4 servings)
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg
Sodium: 720 mg
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 2 g
Note: Nutrition may vary based on chicken size, type of rice, and amount of dressing or crema used.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean One-Pot Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Rice Skillet with Cottage Lime Crema is a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Combining tender chicken, hearty black beans, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant bell peppers, it delivers a balanced, protein-packed dish with minimal cleanup. The tangy, creamy lime-cilantro crema adds brightness and freshness, elevating the dish. It’s highly versatile, customizable with vegetables, spices, or grains, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family-friendly meals that everyone will enjoy.