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To make a tasty Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet, gather these key items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 tablespoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese These toppings add extra flavor and freshness: - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Avocado slices - Lime wedges Here’s what you need for this recipe: - Large skillet - Cutting board - Chef's knife - Measuring spoons - Wooden spoon or spatula - Serving plates Gather these ingredients and tools before you start cooking. This will help keep the process smooth and fun! Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add one pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season them with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and nicely browned. This step gives your dish a great base flavor. Next, add one medium chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns soft and clear. This brings out the sweet flavor of the onion. Now, stir in one diced bell pepper, one cup of corn kernels, and one can of rinsed black beans. Add a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies as well. Be sure to mix everything well. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. Once everything is heated and the flavors meld, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly. When done, remove from heat and add fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve your Tex-Mex chicken skillet right away with avocado slices and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this colorful and tasty meal that is quick to make! To boost the taste of your Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet, use fresh herbs. Cilantro adds a bright note. Lime juice also lifts the dish. You can squeeze it over the top right before serving. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Consider adding fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick. Always preheat your skillet. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Use medium-high heat to cook the chicken quickly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can steam the meat instead of browning it. Stir often to avoid burning and ensure even cooking. Remember to let the cheese melt fully before serving! Serve this dish hot. Top each bowl with avocado slices for creaminess. Lime wedges add a zesty touch. You can also offer tortilla chips on the side for crunch. Pair the skillet with rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal. Enjoy with your favorite drink for a fun experience! {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your Tex-Mex chicken skillet. Here are some swaps: - Chicken Thighs: Use chicken breasts for a leaner option. You can also try turkey for a different taste. - Beans: Black beans are great, but pinto beans or kidney beans work too. - Bell Peppers: Try different colors or even jalapeños for a kick. - Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes if you want a lighter taste. These swaps give you a fun way to mix things up! Want a meat-free version? No problem! Here’s how to make it vegetarian or vegan: - Replace Chicken: Use diced zucchini, eggplant, or tempeh. These add great texture. - Cheese: Skip the cheddar or use vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor. - Beans and Corn: Keep the black beans and corn. They are perfect for protein and fiber. These swaps keep the dish hearty and satisfying! If you like heat, here are some spicy add-ins: - Chili Peppers: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for more heat. - Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor. - Spicy Seasoning: Use cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to amp up the spice level. These options let you customize your skillet to your heat preference! Store your Tex-Mex chicken skillet in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to four days. Let the dish cool completely before sealing it. This helps avoid extra moisture inside the container. When you're ready to eat, just grab it from the fridge. You can freeze the chicken skillet for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label them with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the flavors intact. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently, and heat until hot, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. If you prefer a different protein, try turkey or even shrimp. For a plant-based option, use tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on your choice. Chicken thighs add great flavor and moisture, but these options work well too. To amp up the heat, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy salsa instead of regular diced tomatoes. If you want a deeper heat, add cayenne pepper. For a smoky kick, consider chipotle in adobo sauce. Spice it to your taste, and enjoy the added flavor! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and veggies, then let them cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat in the skillet until warm. You can also freeze it for later. Just make sure to thaw it overnight before reheating. In this blog post, we covered essential ingredients, simple steps, and handy tips for your dish. You learned about key tools and optional garnishes to boost flavor. We discussed variations to suit different tastes and how to store your meal for later. Overall, cooking can be fun and rewarding. Remember, experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful dishes. Enjoy your culinary journey!

Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet

Satisfy your cravings with this Tex-Mex Chicken Skillet recipe! Combining tender chicken thighs with vibrant bell peppers, corn, and black beans, this one-pan dish is bursting with flavor and ready in only 30 minutes. Topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a delicious meal your family will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Avocado slices, for serving

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

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

    Add the diced chicken thighs to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned.

      Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

        Stir in the diced bell pepper, corn, black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

          Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

            Once heated through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet until the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.

              Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with avocado slices and lime wedges on the side.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4