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You are here: Home / 30 Minute Meals / Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls

Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls

30 Minute Meals Main Course

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These Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls are packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight meals. Filled with tender chicken, brown rice, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and a mixture of spices, this zesty dish is simple to prepare and ready in no time!

a southwest southwest chicken and rice bowl

I’m still in awe that it’s back-to-school time for the kiddos around here. Where has the time gone?

Although it’s still officially summer for about another month, I can’t help but think about all of the things that get me excited about fall. And when I think of fall, I always think of going back to school, even though my school days are long behind me.

Besides everything apples and pumpkin, I love creating easy dinner ideas. But, you already knew that, right? I’m all about the simple recipes around here, and when back-to-school time hits, I love sharing some meal solutions for those busy parents or working adults.

And even if you don’t have any kids, we could all use a few more easy dinner ideas in our life, right?

Southwest-inspired anything is a favorite of mine, so I knew these chicken rice bowls would be devoured in no time. The ingredients are fresh, simple and full of flavor. This dish also makes the perfect leftovers for back-to-school lunches. What could be better?

Quick, easy, and jam-packed with a southwestern flair, these Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls are bursting with fresh ingredients and made for busy nights. So grab those ingredients and become the star of the dinner table!

overhead view of a a southwest southwest chicken and rice bowl

Ingredients for Southwest Chicken & Rice Bowls 

The flavors in these Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls are what makes this dish extra delicious. The spices from the taco seasoning, punch of flavor from the ro-tel tomatoes, and the fresh veggies make this a meal time (and back-to-school time) winner.

Here’s what you’ll need to make the southwest bowls: 

  • Brown rice
  • Olive oil
  • Chicken breasts 
  • Taco seasoning
  • Bell peppers
  • Corn 
  • Black beans
  • Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • Fresh cilantro 

a southwest southwest chicken and rice bowl on a tea towel

How to Make Southwest Chicken & Rice Bowls

Besides the delicious taste, these bowls are a breeze to whip! Thanks to the ease of rice, you can prepare the rice and then let it sit while cooking the chicken and veggies. Once everything is ready, toss it all together and get ready to be wowed.

  1. Prepare brown rice according to package directions. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and chicken, then sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the bell peppers. Sauté until tender. Add corn, black beans, ro-tel tomatoes, and cilantro. 
  4. Add prepared rice, chicken, and additional taco seasoning. Let simmer until heated through.
  5. Spoon into bowls and top with more cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs? 

Yes! The cook time may differ slightly, but chicken thighs will work well here too. You could also use ground chicken, if desired. 

Can I Omit the Beans? 

Yes, you’re welcome to omit the beans or swap in your favorite variety. 

a southwest southwest chicken and rice bowl

Tips for Making Chicken and Rice Bowls

  • For a spicier southwest chicken bowl, use spicy taco seasoning and / or spicy ro-tel. 
  • Fresh or frozen corn works in this recipe. Just chuck it straight into the skillet! 
  • You can jazz up your bowls with extra toppings, if desired. Sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and hot sauce would all taste great! 

Looking for more chicken and rice recipes? I’ve got you covered!

  • Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
  • Chicken and Mushroom Parmesan Rice
  • Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
  • Easy Teriyaki Chicken 
  • Baked Salsa Chicken (great with rice!)
These Southwest Chicken and Rice bowls are packed with flavor and perfect for weeknight meals. Filled with tender chicken, brown rice, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and a mixture of spices, this zesty dish is simple to prepare and ready in no time!
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls

These Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowls are packed with tender chicken, brown rice, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and spices!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken recipe, rice recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 bowls

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 ounce) bag Success® Whole Grain Brown Rice or about 1¼ cup dry rice of choice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 medium chicken breasts cut into chunks
  • 1 envelope (1.25 ounce) taco seasoning divided
  • ½ green bell pepper diced
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • ½ yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (15 ounce) black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 ounce) ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Prepare Success® Whole Grain Brown Rice (or other rice) according to package directions. Set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and chicken. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons taco seasoning. Cook chicken about 3-4 minutes, per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a separate plate.
  • In the same skillet, add green pepper, red pepper, and yellow pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Add more olive oil, if needed. Add corn, black beans, ro-tel tomatoes, and cilantro to skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Add prepared rice, chicken, and rest of taco seasoning. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. Remove from heat.
  • Spoon into bowls and top with more cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

*Rice: alternatively, you can use about 1¼ cups dry rice of choice and cook according to directions.
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

 

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By Gayle | August 22, 2016

Comments

  1. Kate @ Framed Cooks says

    August 22, 2016 at 4:51 am

    I love anything that includes chicken and anything that includes rice, and when you put the two of them together that is comfort food city! And we all can use some of that from time to time, Pinning! :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Thanks, Kate! I agree, this is perfect comfort food!
      Reply
  2. Catherine says

    August 22, 2016 at 6:14 am

    What a perfect weeknight meal for the family. I love the flavors of this dish..looks delish! xo, Catherine
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Thanks for the kind words, Catherine!
      Reply
  3. Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says

    August 22, 2016 at 6:51 am

    I feel like this time of year, I need to be getting a new wardrobe or something, lol :D I can't believe we are heading into September! Where is the time going? Gayle, I love recipes like this! All those delicious ingredients packed together in one bowl. Right up my alley. Would love this for dinner tonight, actually! Pinned, of course! Have a great week! xo
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 7:38 am

      Haha a new wardrobe would be perfect! :) Thanks for the kind words and pin, Dawn!
      Reply
  4. Mir says

    August 22, 2016 at 6:56 am

    I'm in love with brown rice. Haven't eaten the white stuff in years. That nutty flavor and the fullness brown gives is so much better! This rice bowl is awesome. My husband will love!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 7:39 am

      I love brown rice, too! It's definitely my favorite kind. Thanks for kind words, Mir!
      Reply
  5. Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says

    August 22, 2016 at 7:03 am

    Oh my goodness, I LOVE Success rice! I mean, it's totally the easiest way EVER to make rice fast! These rice bowls are absolutely SO up my alley----I'm always down for anything southwest-themed and this looks like total Monday food to me!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 7:40 am

      Isn't Success rice the best? I love how easy it is, too. Thanks for the kind words, Sarah!
      Reply
  6. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    August 22, 2016 at 7:51 am

    I totally agree that we could all do with some more easy dinners in our life, especially when they are as delicious as this one looks. This is comfort food at its best, packed full of flavour too.
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 8:07 am

      Thank you, Dannii! Easy dinners are the name of my game! :)
      Reply
  7. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says

    August 22, 2016 at 8:23 am

    What a smart idea to use taco seasoning!!! I love this! and I love that they have whole grain brown rice!!!! this looks so flavorful and delicious! yum!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 8:35 am

      Thank you, Alice! This is a favorite dinner of mine!
      Reply
  8. Ashley - the recipe rebel says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:12 am

    Well, that sounds amazing. Lol. So often I'm unprepared for dinner, and I think it's because I'm cooking all day long! I just don't feel like getting back into the kitchen for dinner! This would be a lifesaver!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 9:13 am

      I feel like that a lot too, so it helps to have easy dinners on hand! Thanks, Ashley!
      Reply
  9. Amanda says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:12 am

    All of the vibrant colors in here are terrific! Pretty and tasty!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 9:13 am

      Thank you, Amanda!
      Reply
  10. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:15 am

    When I walked outside this morning it was actually NICE out, so I'm starting to get excited about fall... don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to give up Summer yet, but I'm starting to become ready to embrace fall. ;) I always have success rice in my pantry - that stuff is a life saver! Loving these bowls, Gayle! Bowl fully loaded with delicious South West ingredients and flavors? SIGN ME UP! These are just perfect! Totally doing this for dinner one night this week! Pinned of course! Cheers, Gayle!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 9:17 am

      It was chilly this morning, about 58 degrees, so fall is definitely on the way! Thanks for the rice love and pin, friend!
      Reply
  11. Ashley@CookNourishBliss says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:22 am

    We can alwayssss use simple dinner ideas!! I am getting so pumped for fall - it was just a tinyyy bit cooler out this morning and I was giddy! haha These bowls sound awesome! You know I can't turn down anything southwest flavored!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 9:29 am

      It's definitely starting to feel like fall in the mornings! Thanks for the kind words, Ashley!
      Reply
  12. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:59 am

    This would definitely be a crowd-pleaser in our house, and I'm all about the quick and easy weeknight recipes now that we're back in school. Love it!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks, Blair!
      Reply
  13. Kelly says

    August 22, 2016 at 11:07 am

    I can't believe how quickly this summer flew by. I feel like it just started but I am definitely excited for all the cozy meals that fall brings. Like these yummy rice bowls! Love the zesty flavors and how easy these come together!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Thanks, Kelly! The flavors make these bowls so comforting!
      Reply
  14. Manali@CookWithManali says

    August 22, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    looks super flavorful Gayle! I really don't know where time has gone either, can't believe summer is almost over!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 1:36 pm

      Thanks, Manali!
      Reply
  15. marcie says

    August 22, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    I've never tried Success rice, but I'm thinking I need to try it if I can get brown rice in 10 minutes! I love southwest flavors and this dish has so much goodness going on! This is the perfect weeknight dinner. :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 3:59 pm

      Thanks, Marcie!
      Reply
  16. Pamela says

    August 22, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    This rice bowl looks delicious and I especially love the Southwestern flavor you gave it!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 22, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks for the kind words, Pamela!
      Reply
  17. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    August 22, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    You really feel like you're eating something when using brown rice vs. white...so hearty and delicious! This dish is perfect!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 6:32 am

      Thank you, Annie!
      Reply
  18. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:52 am

    This looks like a perfect weeknight dinner....quick, filling, and delicious!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 8:07 am

      Definitely, Kathy! Thanks!
      Reply
  19. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    August 23, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Even though I'm no longer in school, I still get excited about back to school season! I just love buying school supplies! This southwest chicken and rice bowl looks like the perfect weeknight meal!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 9:52 am

      Thanks for the kind words, Keri!
      Reply
  20. Medha says

    August 23, 2016 at 9:51 am

    Rice is so satisfying and hearty- I love the Southwestern spices and flavors here :)
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Thanks, Medha! It makes this dish so good!
      Reply
  21. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says

    August 23, 2016 at 6:56 pm

    Those boil in the bag rice thingies are so convenient! Love all the southwestern flavors you added to this rice bowl. It looks delish!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Aren't they the best? Thanks, Christin!
      Reply
  22. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    I'm totally adding this to my to-make list! Looks amazing.
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      August 23, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      Thank you, Dorothy!
      Reply
  23. Kaly says

    August 31, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    I love this! This is a favorite dinner of mine. I love that they have whole grain brown rice!!!! so delicious! yum!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      September 1, 2016 at 7:34 am

      Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Kaly!
      Reply
  24. Jami iago says

    February 13, 2017 at 6:38 pm

    I was wondering if you had any idea of the number of calories in a serving?? It's a great dinner and seems pretty healthy. I used the low sodium taco seasoning and it was still very tasty!!
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      February 13, 2017 at 8:05 pm

      Hi Jami! Unfortunately, I don't keep track of the calories. Since I'm not a dietician or expert in any way, I don't want to give the wrong information. There are calculators out there that could help you, though..if you use my fitness pal app, that's a good one that I recommenmd. So glad you enjoyed this and thanks for stopping by!
      Reply
  25. MARGUERITE Green says

    November 1, 2017 at 5:25 am

    Hi Gayle what can you substitute the black beans for I don't eat them I have a lot of stomach issues thank you,
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      November 1, 2017 at 5:28 am

      Hi Marguerite! You can forgo the beans entirely or use another kind if your prefer. You could also swap another vegetable in its place. Thanks for stopping by and hope you enjoy!
      Reply
  26. Meghan says

    April 16, 2019 at 2:42 pm

    What size bag of rice was used?
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      April 16, 2019 at 4:20 pm

      Hi Meghan! I used a 14 ounce bag. Hope that helps!
      Reply
  27. Sara says

    October 29, 2019 at 11:37 am

    This looks delicious. Do you know if I could do this in the crock pot and for how long etc? Thanks so much.
    Reply
    • Gayle says

      October 29, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      Hi Sara! I've never made this in the crockpot, so I don't know for sure. I would cook the chicken for 2-3 hours max, as it can get dry and cook the rice separately. Just a suggestion though...haven't tried it that way!
      Reply
  28. Hema says

    November 18, 2020 at 12:08 am

    Thanks Guys, Your Recipe Was Too Fantastic. Me and My Family Loved it. I Will Share your Rrecipe with my friends. Hope they will love it too.

    5 stars

    Reply
    • Gayle says

      November 18, 2020 at 6:43 am

      Happy to hear that, Hema!
      Reply

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