Sizzling Southwestern Chicken & Black Bean Skillet Recipe
Fire up your taste buds with this vibrant southwestern chicken and black bean skillet that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.
Bold spices dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering southwestern chicken and black bean skillet that’ll make your dinner table sizzle.
Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this one-pan wonder comes together quickly for busy weeknight meals.
The combination of smoky spices, hearty black beans, and juicy chicken creates a perfect balance of heat and comfort.
Colorful bell peppers and aromatic onions add depth and texture to this irresistible dish.
Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire skillet with a burst of freshness.
Grab your cast-iron pan and get ready to experience a culinary journey through the bold flavors of the Southwest.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients For Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet
For Proteins:
Chicken: Lean protein that provides hearty base for the skillet, seek boneless skinless cuts for easy preparation and tender texture.
Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds creamy texture and earthy flavor, choose low-sodium canned beans for convenient cooking.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy vegetables that bring sweet and vibrant notes, select firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
Onion: Foundational aromatic that develops deep, savory undertones, opt for yellow or white varieties for balanced flavor.
Corn: Sweet kernels that contribute subtle sweetness and pleasant texture, frozen or canned work perfectly.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty ingredient that introduces tangy and spicy elements, look for fire-roasted varieties for enhanced depth.
For Seasonings and Finishing Touches:
Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Spice blend that creates robust southwestern profile, ensure spices are fresh for maximum flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate other ingredients.
Cheese: Melty topping that adds creamy richness, choose sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for authentic taste.
Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, herbal finish, select crisp leaves with vibrant green color.
Lime: Citrusy accent that adds refreshing brightness, roll lime before cutting to release more juice.
Gear Needed For Chicken and Black Bean Skillet
Large skillet: Your main cooking vessel for this entire dish.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Cutting board: Essential for chopping bell peppers and onions.
Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
Measuring spoons: Help accurately add spices for balanced flavor.
Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Cook Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet
Fire Up the Skillet Warm your cooking surface with a splash of olive oil, creating a perfect stage for flavor magic.
Spice and Sizzle Toss in chicken, showering it with a zesty blend of southwestern spices. Dance those pieces around until they transform into golden, mouth-watering morsels.
Veggie Dance Party Introduce colorful bell peppers and onions to the skillet, letting them mingle and soften into a vibrant medley.
Build Flavor Layers Tumble in black beans, corn, and zesty tomatoes with green chilies. Let everything bubble and chat together, creating a symphony of southwestern comfort.
Cheese Crown Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese across the top, allowing it to melt into creamy rivers of deliciousness.
Final Flourish Scatter fresh cilantro over the skillet and serve with bright lime wedges for a burst of freshness that'll make taste buds dance.
Top Tips & Swaps For Chicken and Black Bean Skillet
Flavor Boost Tip: Toast your spices in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding chicken to intensify their depth and aroma, creating a more robust flavor profile.
Meal Prep Magic: This skillet dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch options.
Dietary Flexibility: For a low-carb version, replace black beans with cauliflower rice and swap corn with diced zucchini to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute chicken with ground turkey, lean beef, or plant-based protein crumbles for diverse dietary preferences and exciting meal variations.
Spice Level Control: Adjust heat intensity by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or add fresh jalapeños for extra kick, allowing personalization for different spice tolerances.
Serve It Southwestern Style
Zesty Taco Night Twist: Serve this skillet in warm tortillas for a build-your-own taco experience that lets everyone customize their meal with extra toppings.
Fresh Fiesta Bowl: Layer the chicken and bean mixture over fluffy cilantro-lime rice, topped with creamy avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
Hearty Nacho Platter: Spread the skillet contents over crispy tortilla chips, adding extra cheese and jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack that packs delicious southwestern flavors.
Quick Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a side of rice or salad for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays exciting and tasty throughout the week.
Storing Skillet Leftovers Made Easy
Quick Cool Storage: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
Freezer Friendly Hack: Portion skillet contents into freezer-safe containers. Sealed meals can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time. Store separately in refrigerator for easy weeknight assembly. Components stay crisp and ready for quick cooking.
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Microwave works too – cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
Sizzling southwestern chicken and black bean skillet brings Mexican-inspired flavors to dinner tables across America. Spicy proteins, hearty beans, and zesty seasonings create a one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
1 (15 oz/425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
½ small red onion, diced
1 (10 oz/283 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add seasoned chicken coated with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully done, ensuring deep southwestern flavor infusion.
Vegetable Integration: Introduce bell peppers and onions into the sizzling skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a vibrant vegetable foundation for the dish.
Flavor Layering: Incorporate black beans, sweet corn kernels, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Simmer the mixture, enabling ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, complex flavor profile while gently reducing liquid content.
Cheese Melting: Cascade shredded cheese across the skillet’s surface, covering the entire mixture. Allow cheese to melt completely, creating a luxurious, unified coating that binds all components together.
Final Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over the dish, adding a bright, herbaceous dimension. Serve piping hot with lime wedges alongside, offering an optional citrusy accent to elevate the meal’s freshness.
Notes
Boost Protein Precision: Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results using a meat thermometer.
Spice Balance Strategy: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities based on personal heat tolerance; start conservatively and taste-test midway through cooking.
Quick Veggie Optimization: Dice bell peppers and onions uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skillet.
Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese, allowing residual warmth to create smooth, perfectly melted coverage without burning.
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen
John Nicholson
Lead Writer & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling
Education
Johnson & Wales University
John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.
His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.
Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen