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