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Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken

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Saddle up for this Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken! This one-pan Southwestern dish combines juicy chicken, smoky veggies, and melted colby jack cheese, creating a perfect weeknight dinner or BBQ option. Packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 oz each)

3 tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

Kosher salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Veggies and Sauce:

1 large red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 (15 oz) cans of corn, drained

1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (14 oz) can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes

2 tbsp lime juice

For Topping:

1 1/4 cup shredded colby jack cheese

Garnishes: cilantro, jalapenos, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Reserve about 1.5 tsp of the spice blend for the vegetables.

Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp of olive oil and season with the spice blend, making sure to coat the chicken evenly.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the diced bell pepper and onion, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Add the corn, black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, lime juice, and reserved spice blend. Stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Add the Chicken Back: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle the chicken with the shredded colby jack cheese.

Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with cilantro, jalapenos, sour cream, pico de gallo, and avocado, as desired. Serve hot!

Notes

Juicy Chicken Tip: Ensure the chicken is seared properly on both sides to lock in juices before baking.

Make it Spicy: Add extra jalapenos or red pepper flakes for more heat.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or over a bed of greens for a complete meal.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main course
  • Method: baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free