Best 6 Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet Recipes

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Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines bold Southwestern spices with tender chicken and a gooey cheese sauce? Look no further than this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet recipe. This delectable skillet dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors, sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

With three recipe variations to choose from, this article caters to diverse preferences and dietary needs. The classic Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a creamy sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, and a blend of spices. For a healthier twist, the Lightened Up Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet uses non-fat Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese to create a lighter version of the sauce without compromising on taste. And for those seeking a keto-friendly option, the Keto Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet swaps out the traditional flour tortillas for low-carb tortillas and uses a sauce made with heavy cream and cream cheese.

Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to create this delicious dish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner looking to impress your family and friends, this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the Southwest!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VELVEETA® SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SKILLET



VELVEETA® Southwestern Chicken Skillet image

Chicken breasts get a Southwestern twist when they're tossed in a skillet with diced tomatoes, green chiles and a blend of VELVEETA and sour cream.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Skillets

Time 30m

Yield Makes 6 servings, about 1 cup each.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) VELVEETA, cut up
1 can (10 oz.) RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1/2 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Cook chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in 2 cups water. Bring to boil. Stir in macaroni; cover. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer 15 minutes or until water is almost absorbed.
  • Add VELVEETA and tomatoes. Cook until VELVEETA is melted, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 90 mg, Sodium 790 mg, Carbohydrate 32 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 6 g, Protein 28 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHEESY CHICKEN SKILLET



Southwestern Cheesy Chicken Skillet image

I got this recipe from the coupon section of my local Sunday paper. It was published by Kraft Foods and Ro-tel.

Provided by Chef shapeweaver

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups water
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
1 (10 ounce) ro-tel diced tomatoes with mild green chilies
1/2 cup sour cream
dried parsley (optional)

Steps:

  • Cook chicken in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Stir in 2 cups water; bring to a boil.
  • Stir in macaroni; cover reduce heat to medium.
  • Simmer 15 minutes, or until water is almost absorbed.
  • Add Velveeta and Ro-tel; cook until Velveeta is melted, stirring often.
  • Remove from heat; stir in sour cream.
  • Sprinkle each serving with desired amount of dried parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.3, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 8.1, Cholesterol 88.3, Sodium 856.7, Carbohydrate 32.1, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 4.6, Protein 27.4

MAKE-AHEAD CHEESY SOUTHWEST CHICKEN AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Make-Ahead Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Pasta Casserole image

Plan ahead and put this party-ready casserole in the freezer for your next big get-together! Once it's thawed, top with tortilla chips, and bake for a cheesy-crunchy crowd pleaser that packs tons of flavor and just the right amount of heat.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

3 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium poblano chile, chopped (3/4 cup)
1 medium jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 package (0.85 oz) Old El Paso™ chicken taco seasoning mix
2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
4 1/2 cups uncooked bow-tie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken
1 cup Cascadian Farm™ organic frozen corn (from 10-oz bag)
1 can (15 oz) Progresso™ black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso™ mild red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips (about 6 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped red onion

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in onion, bell pepper, poblano and jalapeño chiles; cook about 6 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Stir in flour and taco seasoning mix; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually beat in broth with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package for minimum cook time. Drain; stir pasta into sauce with chicken, frozen corn and black beans. Pour pasta mixture into baking dish, and pour enchilada sauce over top.
  • Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle with tortilla chips. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and sauce is bubbling around edges. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and red onion just before serving.
  • To freeze: Line 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, making sure foil is as smooth as possible, as wrinkled foil may get stuck in sauce during freezing process. Leave enough overhang to lift casserole out of dish. Spray foil with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes before assembling casserole. Mix sauce with cooked pasta, chicken, frozen corn and beans; spread in lined baking dish (do not add enchilada sauce); cover tightly with another layer of foil. Freeze unbaked casserole about 8 hours or until completely frozen. Transfer frozen casserole to labeled 2-gallon resealable freezer plastic bag. Remove air; seal and freeze up to three months. To bake: Remove foil, and transfer to 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and thaw in refrigerator until completely thawed, at least 48 hours. Heat oven to 350°F. Remove cover, and top with enchilada sauce. Bake 20 minutes; top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly around edges (165°F in center). Let stand 15 minutes. Top with cilantro and red onion just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 490, Carbohydrate 61 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 7 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 910 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 0 g

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SKILLET



Southwestern Chicken Skillet image

-Renee Shepherd, Felton, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large sweet red peppers, julienned
2 large sweet yellow peppers, julienned
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chicken with lemon juice; set aside. In a large skillet, saute garlic in oil for 1 minute. Add the peppers, onion, oregano, cumin and pepper flakes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. , Add the chicken, salt and pepper; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender and chicken is no longer pink. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 202 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 285mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN SKILLET



Southwestern Chicken Skillet image

Make and share this Southwestern Chicken Skillet recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup wisconsin monterey jack cheese or 1 cup monterey jack pepper cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or 2 tablespoons cilantro

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chili powder, cumin and salt over chicken.
  • Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and garlic; cook 5 minutes.
  • Turn chicken over.
  • Combine salsa and mustard; spoon over and around chicken.
  • Continue cooking, turning chicken and stirring sauce, 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Sprinkle cheese and onion (or cilantro) over chicken.
  • Continue cooking 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.1, Fat 14.3, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 100.7, Sodium 683.2, Carbohydrate 3.7, Fiber 1, Sugar 1.3, Protein 33

SOUTHWEST CHEESY CHICKEN AND RICE SKILLET



Southwest Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet image

Help satisfy their appetites with this delicious Southwest Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet recipe. This Southwest Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet is made with spicy jalapeño cream cheese for a little extra heat!

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 pkg. (1.4 oz.) TACO BELL® Fajita Seasoning Mix, divided
1 cup chopped onions
2 cups water
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
1 tub (7.5 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread
3/4 cup milk
1 can (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed
1-1/2 cups KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 each avocado and tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Toss chicken with half the seasoning mix; place in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Add onions; cook on medium heat 6 to 8 min. or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring frequently. (Chicken will not be done.)
  • Mix water and remaining seasoning mix. Add to chicken in skillet along with the rice; stir. Bring to boil, stirring frequently; cover. Simmer on medium-low heat 15 min. or until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  • Add cream cheese spread, milk and beans; cook 2 to 3 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and all ingredients are heated through, stirring frequently.
  • Sprinkle with shredded cheese; cook, covered, 2 to 3 min. or until melted. Remove from heat.
  • Top with remaining ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470, Fat 23 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Sodium 930 mg, Carbohydrate 34 g, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 6 g, Protein 31 g

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of seasonings to your taste.
  • If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
  • For a healthier version, use low-fat sour cream and shredded cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet is an easy and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables make this dish a hit with the whole family. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dinner, give this Cheesy Southwest Chicken Skillet a try.

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