Southwest Chicken And Rice
A flavorful Southwest chicken and rice dish featuring tender chicken, colorful peppers, and smoky spices, perfect for a hearty and satisfying family meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 bag Success rice ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. chicken pieces ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chicken flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown chicken in vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook chopped peppers and onion until tender and crisp.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, chicken bouillon, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.
- Add the browned chicken back into the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Serve the sauce over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a mix of lime juice and spices before browning. You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier option. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Using leftover chicken from other meals can also save time and enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Chicken and Rice with a side of warm tortillas or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Lindsay'S Chicken Quesadillas for a delicious combination. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Chicken And Rice contains roughly 376 calories, with 14g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1046mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid amount according to the package instructions for brown rice. This will ensure that the chicken and sauce are well integrated with the rice.
What can I substitute for chicken pieces?
You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, use black beans or chickpeas instead of chicken, and cook them in the sauce for the same amount of time to absorb the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add diced jalapeños directly to the sauce or mix in some hot sauce before serving. Additionally, consider using spicy chili powder or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).