This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
This Cowboy Chicken recipe makes a delicious hearty meal, all in one pan. Each bite is filled with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and southwestern flavors from spices, that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Cowboy Chicken
Cowboy chicken starts with seasoned, seared chicken breasts or thighs, and then is surrounded by the incredible flavors of onion, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Customize the flavors with your favorite seasonings, or enjoy this recipe just as it is. Either way, you will love how easy it is to make, and the incredible rich and smoky flavors of this dish. I love serving this dish when we have out of town guest visit, because it gives them a small taste of my favorite southwest flavors.
Cowboy Chicken Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts- or thighs, and for an even quicker prep, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken
- olive oil- this is to sear the chicken breasts, making just the outsides have a light golden color, locking the seasonings flavor.
- chili powder-just a sprinkle of this is going to give it a little kick of extra heat.
- ground cumin
- paprika-adds a smoky flavor to the entire dish.
- yellow onion, chopped- or red onion, which can add a stronger onion flavor.
- cloves garlic, minced about 1 teaspoon
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- can black beans, drained and rinsed
- can corn, drained
- can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- shredded cheese-Monterey jack, cheddar cheese, Mexican blend cheese, or pepper jack cheese, are all great choices.
OPTIONAL: Top with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, green onions, or avocado slices.
How to Make Cowboy Chicken
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
STEP 2: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the olive oil on the chicken breasts, on both sides, then sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken.
STEP 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Then add the seasoned chicken breasts, and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
STEP 4: In the same skillet, add the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and onion. Stir together, then lift the chicken pieces so they are on surrounded by the ingredients and not underneath them. Top with the shredded cheese.
STEP 5: Place skillet in the oven, and bake at 375 degrees F for 18-23 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Tips
- Brown the Chicken First: Searing the chicken helps lock in the flavors and juices, while giving the chicken a golden brown color.
- Serve with Sides: Because this meal already has meat and veggies, add a side like white rice, cornbread, beans, or even just a side garden salad.
Cowboy Chicken Variations
- Spicy Cowboy Chicken: Add a pinch of chili powder or even cayenne pepper to add a little heat to the chicken.
- BBQ Cowboy Chicken: Before searing the chicken, coat each piece in your favorite BBQ sauce or hot sauce. You can also serve with ranch dressing for a completely different flavor!
- Cowboy Chicken Tacos or Nachos: Make it taco night! Just shred the chicken and use it to fill burritos or taco shells, then spoon the filling on top. Or serve over tortilla chips and top with a scoop of sour cream, guacamole, and additional cheese.
- Slow Cooker Cowboy Chicken: Make this recipe in your slow cooker. Season the chicken and then add it to the cooker. Top with the onion, beans, and rice. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Top with shredded cheese and let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes until it melts.
FAQ’S
If you have leftovers, first let the chicken cool, then transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To reheat leftovers, you can microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, until it’s warmed through.
Yes! This chicken is perfect for special events or a party! Season and sear the chicken ahead of time, and then place it in an airtight container, and store in the fridge until you are ready to cook. Because a large pan takes up a lot of space, transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking dish before adding the vegetables and then bake as normal.
More Easy Meal Recipes
Cowboy Chicken
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, or thighs (4 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 can black beans, 15 ounces can, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, 15 ounces can, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with chilies, 10 ounces
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush the olive oil on the chicken breasts, on both sides, then sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- In the same skillet, add the beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and onion. Stir together, Lift the chicken pieces so they are on surrounded by the ingredients and not underneath them. Then top with the shredded cheese.
- Place skillet in the oven, and bake at 375 degrees F for 18-23 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Awesome
Thank you! I hope you liked it!
Delicious, what more can I say?