Description
This Baked Southwest Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a vibrant mix of black beans, corn, diced green chiles, red bell pepper, cilantro, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s seasoned with garlic, cumin, and a touch of salt and pepper, then baked to juicy perfection. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete southwestern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Vegetable Mixture
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced green chiles
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Topping
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: Mix the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the seasoning blend that will flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Corn and Bean Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the corn, black beans, diced green chiles, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a large casserole dish. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, then spread the corn and bean mixture on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the corn and bean mixture to add a creamy, melty layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. If the cheese begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the cooking time to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly during baking.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Use fresh corn if available for added sweetness.
