Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 15-Minute Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices, it brings the taste of the Southwest to your table in no time. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a one-pan wonder the whole family will love.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breastblack beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)corn (canned or frozen)diced tomatoes with green chiliesoniongarlicolive oilground cuminchili powderpaprikasalt and pepperlime juicefresh cilantro (for garnish)shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until heated through and flavors are combined.

Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir to blend.

Top with shredded cheese, if using, and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted.

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.

Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies.

Make it spicy by adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.

Serve over rice, in tortillas, or with tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Swap chicken for ground turkey or beef if preferred.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, just dice and cook the chicken in the skillet before adding the other ingredients, adding about 5-7 minutes to the total cook time.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—just omit the chicken or replace it with tofu or extra beans.

What goes well with this skillet dish?

Serve it with rice, quinoa, warm tortillas, or a simple side salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially canned goods and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add cheese directly while cooking?

Yes, you can stir it in or sprinkle it on top and cover to melt.

Can I meal prep this?

Definitely—it reheats well and can be portioned into meal prep containers.

Conclusion

The 15-Minute Southwestern Chicken and Black Bean Skillet is your go-to for a speedy, wholesome dinner without sacrificing flavor. It’s versatile, hearty, and vibrant—ideal for any night you need a quick fix with bold Southwestern flair. Give it a try and make dinner time stress-free and delicious.