Description
This Creamy Southwest Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, and southwestern spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy skillet meal bursting with smoky, spicy, and creamy goodness, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10 fluid ounces) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (with juices)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, preferably block style like Philly)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least one hour before cooking to soften it, or microwave for about 30 seconds. Cut into cubes to help it melt faster.
- Slice and season the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add spices and liquids: Pour in chicken broth and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes with juices. Stir in chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate cream cheese and reheat chicken: Gradually stir in the cubed cream cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce – this can take a few minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet and warm it through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese ahead of time or microwaving helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Cutting chicken thin and cooking over medium-high heat ensures juicy, evenly cooked pieces without drying out.
- If preferred, add more heat by using a can of spicy Rotel or extra chili powder.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
