Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken

Name: Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 6 to 8oz Boneless skinless chicken breast; 3 tbsp Olive oil, divided; 2 tsp Chili powder; 1 tsp Cumin; 1 tsp Paprika; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp Dried oregano; 1/2 tsp Onion powder; 1/2 tsp Garlic powder; 1 large Red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup Red onion, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 15oz Cans of corn, drained; 1 15oz Can of black beans, rinsed, drained; 1 14oz Can of fire roasted diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp Lime juice; 1 1/4 cup Shredded colby jack cheese; For garnish: cilantro, jalapenos, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado

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August 5, 2025 0 comments »

Saddle up for Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken! This one-pan Southwestern dish packs juicy chicken, smoky veggies, and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or BBQs.

Back with another satisfying dinner that’s easy to whip up!

The best part? This Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken is not only bursting with flavor, but is high-protein, low-carb and made in one skillet.

Can you say YAHTZEE?!

This one-pan meal combines tender chicken with smoky spices, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of cowboy flair, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. It’s comfort food with a kick, designed to please any picky eater.

Need a few more chicken dinner inspirations? These are a few family favs: Greek Grilled Chicken Wings, Indian Spiced Chicken Tenders, or Easy Buffalo Chicken Parmesan.

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken

Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken is a hearty, Southwestern-inspired one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with bold, smoky flavors and vibrant vegetables. You will need the following ingredients below:

Chili powder
Cumin
Paprika
Kosher salt and pepper
Oregano
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Olive oil
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Red bell pepper
Red onion
Garlic
Canned corn
Black beans
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
Lime juice
Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Fresh Cilantro

How to Make Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken

Creating Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken is a fantastic way to bring bold Southwestern flavors to your table in a simple, one-pan dish. Follow the steps below to ensure success:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
In a small mixing bowl combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper. Reserve about 1.5 tsp to sprinkle on the vegetables later.
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken breasts. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil and season with spice blend making sure all the chicken is well coated. Next, preheat a skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet and place the chicken into the skillet. Sear the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side and then remove chicken from the skillet and place on a plate.
In the same skillet as the chicken add 1 tbsp of olive oil and turn the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the peppers and onions. Cook for about five minutes or until softened. Next, stir in the garlic; cook for 30 seconds and then add in the corn, black beans, tomatoes, lime juice and reserved spice blend. Stir to combine and continue to cook for a few minutes.
Add the chicken breasts back to the skillet and sprinkle top with cheese. Place the skillet into the oven and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is 165 degrees. Remove from the oven and garnish with desired toppings!

Variations of Easy Cowboy Skillet Chicken

Below are several creative variations to modify the protein, vegetables, or toppings, keeping the core concept of a skillet-cooked meal with a cowboy flair.

Vegetarian Cowboy Skillet with Black Beans: Omit chicken and double the black beans or add pinto beans and diced zucchini to the vegetable mixture. Season with the same Southwestern spice blend (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if adding liquid. Top with a Mexican cheese blend or vegan cheese.

Cheesy BBQ Cowboy Skillet Chicken: Brush seared chicken with a thin layer of barbecue sauce before nestling into the vegetable mixture. Add a splash of BBQ sauce to the black beans and corn for cohesion. Top with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Garnish with green onions.

Creamy Cowboy Skillet Chicken: Stir a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream into the vegetable mixture after cooking, creating a creamy sauce. Reduce the amount of broth to maintain thickness. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro.

Proper Storing

Below are guidelines for short-term and long-term storage:

Short-Term Storage (1-3 Days)

Allow the skillet chicken to cool to room temperature.Transfer to an airtight container or cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap. If portioning, use shallow airtight containers to maintain the dish’s structure and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months)

Freezing Preparation: Portion into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal quality.

Thawing/Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours to maintain texture. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring gently. Microwave on medium power for 2-4 minutes for single portions.