Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken and Queso Fresco recipe is your ticket to a delicious fiesta, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a light and healthy lunch. Forget takeout – homemade is always better, and this recipe proves it! Get ready to experience the delightful combination of juicy chicken, creamy queso fresco, and a medley of fresh flavors. This recipe delivers easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas all in one delicious package.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple it for a larger crowd!
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 oz queso fresco, crumbled
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced (for garnish)
- Optional: Tortilla chips or warm tortillas for serving
Instructions:
Get Cooking!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve the chicken mixture hot, topped with crumbled queso fresco and fresh cilantro. A sprinkle of diced avocado adds extra creaminess and visual appeal. Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to your liking.
- If you don't have queso fresco, you can substitute with another type of cheese, such as cotija or feta.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
- Add some veggies: Include other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- Make it a bowl: Serve the chicken and queso fresco mixture over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying bowl.
- Spice it up: Add a jalapeño pepper, diced, for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make and enjoyable to eat. It's the perfect balance of healthy meals and homemade cooking, representing the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful experience. Enjoy this simple yet impressive meal, perfect for any occasion!