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Southwest Chicken and Cauliflower Rice

Southwest Chicken and Cauliflower Rice: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

Enjoy a delicious Southwest Chicken and Cauliflower Rice, a one-pan meal bursting with vibrant flavors and lower in carbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwest
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins Can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Can replace with avocado oil if preferred.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Use garlic powder in a pinch (1/2 teaspoon).
  • 1/2 each Green Bell Pepper Any color bell pepper works.
  • 1 each Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 each Jalapeño Pepper Adjust based on heat preference, or remove seeds for less spice.
For the Cauliflower Rice
  • 10 ounces Frozen Riced Cauliflower Can also use fresh cauliflower, riced at home.
  • 1/4 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
For the Saucy Goodness
  • 1/2 cup Homemade or Store-Bought Salsa Use a mild salsa for less heat.
  • 3/4 cup Low-Sodium Canned Black Beans Substitute with pinto beans if desired.
  • 3/4 cup Corn Kernels Can use canned corn if fresh or frozen is unavailable.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice Substitute with lemon juice in a pinch.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 3 tablespoons Chopped Fresh Cilantro Can substitute with parsley for a milder herb flavor.
  • 3 ounces Mexican-Style Cheese Can use any cheese blend that melts well.
  • Lime Wedges For serving and additional flavor boost.

Equipment

  • Large Frying Pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Trim and cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with 1.5 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated, then let it marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
  2. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 cup of chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Next, add ½ green and 1 red bell pepper, along with 1 chopped jalapeño. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender, then transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Using the same pan, add the marinated chicken and cook over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. When the chicken is no longer pink, pour in ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, set it aside on a plate and add 10 ounces of frozen riced cauliflower to the pan. Stir in ½ cup of salsa and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and heated through. Be sure to mix well, allowing the salsa to coat the cauliflower rice evenly.
  5. Return the sautéed vegetable mix to the pan with the cooked cauliflower rice. Add ¾ cup of drained and rinsed black beans, ¾ cup of corn kernels, and 3 sliced scallions. Mix everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes, heating until everything is warmed through and the flavors combine beautifully.
  6. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with any accumulated juices. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and sprinkle 3 ounces of shredded Mexican-style cheese on top. Cover the pan for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese melts. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ingredient Prep: Have all ingredients prepped before starting to avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure a smooth cooking experience. Don't Overcook: Monitor the chicken closely while cooking; overcooked chicken can become dry. Aim for tender chicken that remains juicy. Salt Savvy: Some ingredients like broth and beans can be salty. Taste as you go to avoid an overly salted dish. Customize Heat: Adjust the spice level by modifying jalapeño and salsa types, tailoring the heat to your taste. Mix and Match: Experiment with different vegetables or proteins to keep the experience exciting.

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