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๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dinner

Easy Southwest Chicken Skillet

This flavorful chicken dish is a quick and healthy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 20, 2026
Easy Southwest Chicken Skillet
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
4

Southwest Chicken is my favorite go to recipe when I need a tasty dinner in a hurry. It uses simple spices to create a big flavor that feels like a treat, even on the busiest days.

You can easily grill this chicken outside or cook it right on the stovetop. My best tip is to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking so it stays nice and juicy.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh salsa
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.

  3. 3

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  5. 5

    Top each chicken breast with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and cover the skillet for a minute until the cheese is melted.

  6. 6

    Remove the pan from the heat, spoon a little bit of salsa over each piece, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Serve this chicken over a bed of cilantro lime rice or with a side of black beans for a complete meal. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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