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Bold Rotel Southwest Chicken Skillet: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Bold Rotel Southwest Chicken Skillet - featured image
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A quick and flavorful one-pan chicken skillet with Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and southwest spices. Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 breasts), cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles, undrained
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • For serving (optional): cooked white rice, cauliflower rice, warm tortillas, shredded Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Season generously with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon of the chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of the cumin. Set aside.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it get shimmering hot, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken cubes in a single layer. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the entire can of Rotel (undrained). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir continuously until fully melted. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid. Squeeze lime juice over the top and stir gently. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip searing the chicken for best flavor. Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent clumping. For a spicier version, use hot Rotel or add a diced jalapeño. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rotel chicken skillet, southwest chicken, 30-minute dinner, one-pan meal, creamy chicken skillet

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/bold-rotel-southwest-chicken-skillet-easy-30-minute-dinner/