The Most Flavorful Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

Craving a mouthwatering one pot queso chicken and rice that simplifies your dinner routine?

Mexican-inspired comfort calls with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor packed into a single skillet.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at this creamy, zesty combination that brings excitement to weeknight meals.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze when ingredients blend seamlessly without complicated techniques.

Our recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted queso in every delicious bite.

Families and friends will devour this hearty dish faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every incredible, cheesy spoonful.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, usually around 40-45 minutes.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spices like chili powder and cumin. If you want more heat, add some jalapeños or hot sauce. For less spice, reduce or omit the chili powder.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture in advance and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add fresh cheese when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

What Makes Queso Chicken Rice Recipe Great

• Whip Up a One-Pot Wonder: Simplify your cooking with this single-pot meal that eliminates multiple dishes and reduces kitchen cleanup time.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spices and cheese types to match your family's taste preferences or use ingredients already in your pantry.
• Quick Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights, this protein-packed dish satisfies both kids and adults with its cheesy, comforting appeal and minimal preparation steps.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Beginner cooks can confidently create a delicious meal with straightforward instructions and basic ingredients that come together seamlessly.

Queso Chicken and Rice Ingredients List

• Chicken: Tender cubed meat that serves as the main protein source for the dish.

• Rice: Uncooked rice that will absorb the flavorful liquid and become the base of the one-pot meal.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to cook the rice and chicken.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and a hint of freshness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Creates a warm, spicy, and complex flavor profile for the chicken.

• Queso Dip, Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and rich cheesy flavor to finish the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb note to complete the presentation and flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken and prevent sticking to the pan.

Easy Directions for Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

Toss cubed chicken pieces with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and completely done throughout, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build The Base

• Uncooked rice
• Diced tomatoes (including their liquid)
• Chicken broth

Mix everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Simmer And Steam

Increase heat to bring mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately lower heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Allow the dish to gently simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all liquid.

Step 4: Create Creamy Goodness

Pour in queso dip and sprinkle shredded cheese.

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a rich and smooth texture throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Flavor

Chop fresh cilantro and scatter generously over the top.

Serve the one-pot meal hot and bubbling directly from the cooking pot.

Queso Chicken Rice Recipe Tips and Notes

• Add extra protein by mixing in black beans or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
• Customize heat levels by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or using spicy queso for those who love bold flavors.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice to increase nutritional value and reduce carbohydrates.
• Prepare this dish in advance and store in airtight containers for easy reheating during busy weeknights.
• Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a meatless version of the recipe.

Flavorful Takes on Queso Chicken Rice

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu cubes, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and ensure the queso dip is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb queso dip to create a keto-friendly meal.

Pair This Dish With Something Delicious

• Fiesta Fresh Serving Style: Top with extra cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a zesty Mexican-inspired kick.
• Creamy Comfort Combo: Serve alongside cool sour cream or refreshing guacamole to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad or quick corn salsa to add freshness and balance the hearty main dish.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a delicious work or school lunch that stays warm and tasty.

Storing Queso Chicken and Rice Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this easy one pot queso chicken and rice masterpiece, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with simple cooking techniques. Cheesy, creamy goodness awaits hungry diners seeking a quick and satisfying meal you can enjoy without extensive kitchen prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the chicken.
2. Introduce cubed chicken to the heated surface, seasoning generously with spices to develop a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
3. Sauté chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring no pink remains.
4. Incorporate uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to low, creating a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to cook for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until rice reaches a tender, fluffy consistency.
7. Once rice is fully cooked, fold in queso dip and shredded cheese, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy texture.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
9. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, capturing its optimal flavor and consistency.

Notes

• Quickly dice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to increase spice level and create a more intense flavor experience for heat lovers.
• Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking chicken during multitasking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg