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!
“This chicken is amazing! The perfect one pan meal!”
-Becky
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Chicken
This one pan chicken dinner is packed with bold southwestern flavor, melted cheese, hearty beans, sweet corn, and juicy chicken in every bite. Everything cooks together in a single skillet which makes cleanup simple while still feeling like a full comforting meal.
It’s:
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to make in one pan.
- Loaded with hearty flavor.
- Great for feeding a crowd.
- Easy to customize with toppings.
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
What Does Cowboy Chicken Taste Like?
Cowboy chicken tastes like a cheesy southwestern skillet meal with bold spices, juicy chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese in every bite.
The chicken stays tender while the tomatoes, green chilies, and seasonings create a rich flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese on top. It has the flavor of a comforting Tex-Mex dinner with the ease of a one pan meal.
For more easy chicken dinners, be sure to try this one skillet Chicken Marsala Recipe, Smoked Mac and Cheese, or this easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore. Don’t forget to add a refreshing drink like the Mojito or a Peach Mimosa for an easy beverage option.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts- or thighs, and for an even quicker prep, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken
- yellow onion, chopped- or red onion, which can add a stronger onion flavor.
- cloves garlic, minced about 1 teaspoon
- can black beans, drained and rinsed
- can corn, drained-I like to use regular or Mexican style corn
- can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- shredded cheese-Monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, Mexican blend cheese, or pepper jack cheese, are all great choices.
Note: A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Cowboy Chicken Variations
- Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
- Add rice: Serve the chicken over rice to stretch the meal even further.
- Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Add toppings: Avocado, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla strips all work great.
- Use fire roasted tomatoes: This adds even more smoky flavor.
How to Make Cowboy Chicken
- 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. Then 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, then lift the chicken pieces so they are on surrounded by the ingredients and not underneath them. 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.
- Serve while warm!
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, you can serve this chicken with Firecracker Hot Dogs for a fun, family style meal, or keep things simple with a platter of Fruit Skewers and Fruit Dip for a colorful and fresh side.
Expert 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, Spanish rice, cornbread, beans, or even just a side garden salad.
- Keep it Easy: If pressed for time, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the breasts. Add the other ingredients and combine, then bake in the oven.
Cowboy Chicken 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 Main Dishes
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
could you use ground beef instead of chicken and if so, how much?
Hi Kimberly. Great question! Yes, you can use ground beef! Use a pound, and brown it, then drain the grease before adding the other ingredients.
Awesome
Thank you! I hope you liked it!
Delicious, what more can I say?