Best 2 Southwest Chicken Dinner Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with our Southwest Chicken Dinner extravaganza! This delectable feast features a tantalizing array of recipes that capture the essence of this beloved cuisine. From the succulent Southwest Chicken, bursting with a medley of spices, to the zesty Salsa Verde, and the refreshing Southwest Chopped Salad, each dish is a symphony of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Southwest Chicken Enchiladas, smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce. And for a delightful side, whip up a batch of our irresistible Southwest Corn Salad, a vibrant medley of sweet corn, black beans, and a hint of chili peppers. Don't forget the tantalizing Roasted Red Pepper Quesadillas, a perfect blend of smoky roasted peppers and melted cheese. Top it all off with our sweet and tangy Southwest Fruit Salsa, a refreshing complement to any dish. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and embrace the spirit of the Southwest with this extraordinary collection of recipes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN DINNER

Southwest Chicken Dinner image

My family loves to order those gigantic takeout Tex-Mex burritos, but they can be expensive and we always have leftovers. I created a lighter, no-guilt alternative with the flavors they love, and that skips the tortilla. -Marquisha Turner, Aurora, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
1 cup canned black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons lime juice
Pico de gallo, shredded Mexican cheese blend, sour cream, avocado, shredded lettuce or lime wedges, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine water, 1 tablespoon oil, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-17 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender., Meanwhile, sprinkle taco seasoning over both sides of chicken. In a large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°., In a microwave, heat beans until warmed. To serve, gently stir cilantro, lime zest and lime juice into rice; divide among four bowls. Cut chicken into slices. Place chicken and beans over rice; top as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 398 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 678mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

CINDY'S SOUTHWEST CHICKEN DINNER SALAD

Cindy's Southwest Chicken Dinner Salad image

This is a recipe I made up by taking a few things from a couple different recipes to fit into our own tastes. I used a marinade on the chicken that is half western dressing & half italian dressing that our butcher store here at home makes...it is wonderful and a pink color...then just grill them up and slice onto your salad. You can use any marinated chicken breasts that fit your families tastes.

Provided by CIndytc

Categories Corn

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 lbs marinated boneless chicken breasts, grilled
4 stalks romaine lettuce, chopped
1 1/2 cups kernel corn
1 1/2 cups black beans
1 1/2 cups shredded mexican cheese
bacon bits
2 eggs, hard boiled and sliced
2 avocados, diced
3/4 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup salsa, of your choice
2 teaspoons dried taco seasoning mix

Steps:

Grill your chicken breasts, and slice thin.
Roast your corn kernals over high heat in a pan with a little oil (you can add a tsp or 2 of packaged Fahita mix to it as it roasts for a more spicy taste if you like).
layer everything onto large plates. Place sliced chicken on top and crumble some nacho chips on top if you like. Drizzle dressing on top and enjoy -- .

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1141.9, Fat 77.1, SaturatedFat 22.1, Cholesterol 315.2, Sodium 1618.2, Carbohydrate 43.4, Fiber 14.7, Sugar 8.3, Protein 71.9

Tips:

Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will always give you the best flavor. If possible, try to buy organic or locally-sourced ingredients.
Don't overcrowd the pan: When you're cooking chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and will make it more likely to stick.
Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before you remove it from the heat.
Let the chicken rest: Once you've cooked the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes before you serve it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Conclusion:

The recipes in this article are a great way to enjoy a delicious and healthy Southwest-inspired meal. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, you're sure to find something you'll love. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get cooking!