Cowboy Chicken Recipe | The Recipe Critic

This cowboy chicken recipe is packed with bold flavors. The chicken is seared with lots of vibrant seasonings, surrounded by corn, black beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes, all smothered in melty cheese. Your family will love this quick meal that is ready in just 35 minutes!

Ingredients You Need to Make Cowboy Chicken

The ingredients list might look long, but it is mostly the seasonings you need. Most of the items you probably already have. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements!

• Chicken Breast: This crowd-pleasing protein is great for absorbing the flavors and gives the best texture.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smokey sweetness.
• Cumin: Cumin really adds to the southwest flavors in this dish.
• Oregano: Provides a robust herbal flavor with a hint of bitterness, which is a great balance to all of the other flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Adds the best savory flavor that complements all of the other ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all of the flavors in the dish.
• Onion Powder: Gives a blast of robust, savory flavor.
• Chili Powder: Adds a slight kick of heat and balances out the other savory flavors.
• Olive Oil: Acts as a fat to seal in the flavor of the chicken.
• Yellow Onion: Sauteed onion gives a sweet, caramelized flavor and soft texture.
• Cloves Garlic: This gives a punch of that wonderful savory flavor you can only get from fresh garlic.
• Can of Corn: Adds a sweet, juicy pop of yellow color.
• Can of Black Beans: Not only does this add a fabulous texture, the fiber you get from beans is so good for you!
• Can of Fire Roasted Tomatoes: I feel like this is the secret ingredient for making it taste smokey and southwest cowboy style.
• Fresh Lime Juice: The acidity in the limes balances out the savory, smokey and sweet flavors completing the entire dish.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping that keeps in moisture and locks in flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: The kiss of freshness to any Mexican dish.

Cowboy Chicken Recipe Instructions

This cowboy chicken is a breeze to whip up, making it a go-to for your busy weeknights. The hearty chicken and bold flavors are sure to be a hit with your kids. Just follow my simple step-by-step instructions below, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder, then divide this mixture in half.
2. Coat Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with half of the spice mixture. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side in the skillet, then remove and set the chicken aside.
4. Saute Onion and Add Ingredients: Add the onion to the skillet and saute until the onion is tender. Once tender, add in the garlic, corn, black beans, and tomatoes with their juice, lime juice, and remaining seasoning, and blend in the pan.
5. Simmer: Stir and cook until the mixture comes to a gentile boil. Once it boils, remove from heat then add the chicken breasts back to the skillet and sprinkle the cheese over the chicken.
6. Bake: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes until they reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
7. Serve: Top with the fresh cilantro and serve on its own or over rice.