This post is sponsored by The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA). All opinions, the recipe, and images are my own. For more inspiration during #FrozenFoodMonth, be sure to check out delicious ideas from NFRA at EasyHomeMeals.com #MFFM2025
A satisfying, flavor-packed dinner that’s quick to prepare—this Spicy Southwest Chicken & Air-Fried Veggie Bowl hits all the marks. It balances smoky, bold spices with tender chicken and crisp, caramelized vegetables for a meal that feels both fresh and comforting.
The combination of juicy spiced chicken and air-fried vegetables brings texture and bright flavor to each bite. I like to add corn, black beans, avocado, and a spoonful of pico de gallo for contrast, then finish everything with a creamy southwest sauce and a squeeze of lime.
For a real time-saver, I use Pictsweet Farms Vegetables for the Air Fryer — Red Potatoes, Onions & Sweet Peppers. They come prepped and seasoned, so you can air-fry them straight from the bag and still get a roasted, crispy finish in about 10–15 minutes.
These frozen vegetables make weeknight cooking simple without sacrificing quality. They crisp up nicely in the air fryer and add natural sweetness and color to the bowl, so you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying dinner.
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I pair the air-fried vegetables with spiced chicken bites and a drizzle of creamy southwest sauce. Add cooked corn, black beans, avocado slices, and pico de gallo for a complete bowl. The result is a balanced, filling meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
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If you make this Chicken and Veg Bowl, please leave a comment below and tag me on social media—Instagram or Facebook—@sandraseasycooking with the hashtag #sandraseasycooking. I love seeing your photos and hearing how you customize the bowl.
I’m also putting together an Amazon list of my favorite cooking essentials, so stay tuned for that collection.
Spicy Southwest Chicken & Air-Fried Veggie Bowl
10 minutes
15 minutes
3 minutes
28 minutes
This Southwest-inspired bowl is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. It’s a great option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g total)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil + extra for cooking
- 2 tsp (4g) smoked paprika
- 2 tsp (4g) chili powder
- 1 tsp (2g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (2g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (6g) salt
- ½ tsp (1g) black pepper
- ½ tsp (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
Vegetables:
- 1 bag (397g) Pictsweet Farms Vegetables for the Air Fryer — Red Potatoes, Onions & Sweet Peppers (Salt & Cracked Pepper)
Southwest Sauce:
- ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp (30g) mayonnaise
- 2 tsp (10ml) lime juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional)
- Salt to taste
Toppings (optional):
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup (160g) cooked corn
- 1 cup (160g) black beans
- ½ cup (120g) salsa or pico de gallo
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
- Toss the chicken with the spice mixture and drizzle with lime juice. For deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate to marinate for a few hours or overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Air-fry the vegetables:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the frozen Pictsweet Farms Vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until vegetables are browned and crisp.
Make the southwest sauce:
- Whisk together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, chili powder, and hot sauce until smooth.
- Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the bowls:
- Divide the air-fried vegetables among four bowls.
- Top with the sliced chicken and optional toppings: avocado, corn, black beans, cheese, and salsa.
- Drizzle with southwest sauce, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4
Serving Size
1 bowl
Amount Per Serving
Calories 632
Total Fat 21g
Saturated Fat 3g
Trans Fat 0g
Unsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 105mg
Sodium 806mg
Carbohydrates 68g
Fiber 11g
Sugar 28g
Protein 47g
This nutrition data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix and is an estimate.
Did you make this recipe?
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