Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly easy dinner recipe? Look no further! This Chicken Breast Rotel recipe is your answer. It's a delicious blend of tender chicken, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and melty cheese, all ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy meal is sure to become a family favorite. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly impressive!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (original or mild, depending on your spice preference)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, drained (optional, for extra heat!)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for extra juiciness)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to break up any large chunks of chicken to ensure even cooking.
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Add the Rotel and Simmer: Stir in the Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with the optional diced green chilies and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add the sour cream and stir to combine.
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Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Rotel:
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook it until it's no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer is always a good idea!
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños along with the garlic.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious substitutions.
- Make it a Slow Cooker Meal: This recipe can also be easily adapted for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients (except the cheddar cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Chicken and Black Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and flavor.
- Taco Chicken Rotel: Add a packet of taco seasoning for a southwestern twist.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken: Omit the Rotel and use a jar of your favorite pasta sauce instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This delicious and easy Chicken Breast Rotel recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a great example of homemade cooking that's both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy!