Southwestern Chicken Orzo and Black Bean Skillet
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read My Disclosure
Southwestern Chicken, Orzo and Black Bean Skillet is an easy and festive stovetop dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight! Your family will ask for it again and again! For another family-friendly one-pot meal, be sure to try my Beef Rice Zucchini Skillet!
“Made this last night and my family LOVED it! I just ate some of the leftovers for lunch and this recipe is definitely a keeper!“
Hey, all! I’ve got a dish that’s super easy for a weeknight with a serious delish factor you and your whole family will love! Southwestern Chicken, Orzo and Black Bean Skillet!
As I was making this, my hubby kept looking over at it like… “When is that going to be ready?”
How’s this? It’s ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish and best of all, it’s made on the stovetop in just one skillet! Your family is going to love this dish!
What is orzo?
Orzo, also called risoni is pasta that is shaped like a grain of rice. It can be made with regular white flour or whole wheat flour. Because it is made with wheat, it generally is not gluten-free like rice is. However, DeLallo makes gluten-free orzo.
I love that it cooks so quickly and is so versatile!
How to make Southwestern Chicken, Orzo and Black Bean Skillet:
- Slice two chicken breast halves into thin strips.
- Season generously with salt, black pepper and your favorite taco seasoning or another Southwestern-style seasoning.
- Brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook some onion, red bell pepper…
- Add the chicken back to the skillet.
- Then add canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, chicken broth, the orzo, more of the taco seasoning…
- And cook away!
- Add frozen corn that you’ve thawed and drained and rinsed black beans…
- Cheese!
- …And you’ve got one of the most satisfying, comforting meals ever that you can make in one skillet the whole family will love!
Southwestern Chicken, Orzo and Black Bean Skillet is cheesy, pleasy and easy! Guaranteed to become a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
For more great easy, family-friendly chicken recipes, try my:
- Grilled Tajin-Seasoned Chicken Fajitas
- Southwestern Chicken, Rice and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
- Cheesy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
- Creamy One Pot Chicken and Orzo “Risotto” with Bacon
- Mexican Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Tenders
Southwestern Chicken Orzo and Black Bean Skillet
Video
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, approximately 1 pound, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, or another Southwestern-style seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75-ounce) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 can (14.5-ounce) chicken broth, or more as needed
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen
- 1 can (15-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken strips with salt, black pepper and 2 teaspoons taco seasoning.
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken strips in the pan and brown well on both sides. Transfer to a plate but reserve dripping in the pan. Return pan to medium-high heat.
- Add the onion and a pinch of salt, then reduce heat to medium. Cook the onions until softened, 7-8 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper and continue cooking another 4-5 minutes or until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly or until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth and remaining taco seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add orzo and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook 15-17 minutes or until orzo is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed but not dry. (Add additional chicken broth if needed.)
- Stir in corn and black beans and heat through.
- Stir in half the cheese then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Can also be made with white rice.
- Instead of canned diced tomatoes with green chiles, use fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, or another green chile.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
This one was a hit tonight. I used one pack of Costco boneless breasts and aside from mixing in some pepper jack cheese for a bit of a bump, followed the recipe to the letter. Family had seconds – always a sign they enjoyed the meal.
Hi, Bubba, Thank you so much! I love hearing that everyone went back for seconds! The pepperjack sounds like a nice addition, too. So glad it was a hit with your family! Thanks again and appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate.
Does the chicken need to be cooked all the way or does it finish cooking in the chicken broth?
Hi, Kim, Thanks so much for your question. When you brown the chicken, it may not cook all the way through; it will continue cooking in the broth and tomatoes with the orzo. You’ll just need to check that it’s fully cooked, but the two-step process of browning and simmering should cook it through. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!