Description
One-Pot Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish combining smoky turkey bacon, tender chicken, creamy plant-based cheese, and bold southwestern spices. This easy, all-in-one recipe delivers a hearty and creamy texture with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 cups chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain rice
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 teaspoons southwest seasoning (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Cheese & Finishings
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Optional
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken and Bacon: Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside. Add the chicken pieces to the same pot and brown lightly on all sides to lock in the juicy flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and soft, building a rich and soulful flavor base.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the long-grain rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the southwest seasoning (natural) and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), allowing the spices to bloom.
- Pour Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Finish: Stir in the plant-based cheese (plant-based) and sprinkle the reserved crispy turkey bacon on top. Let the cheese melt into a creamy sauce for a few minutes. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Toast the rice before cooking to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Reserve some bacon fat for sautéing aromatics to boost overall flavor.
- Add extra chicken broth in small increments if the dish appears dry during cooking.
- Let the dish rest covered off heat for 5 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-pot stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one-pot, cheesy, southwest, chicken, rice, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, comfort food
