The Easiest One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delectable one pot queso chicken and rice dish promises culinary magic for busy home cooks.

Comfort emerges through simple ingredients combined with minimal kitchen effort.

Creamy cheese cascades over tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a meal that satisfies deeply.

Weeknight dinners demand convenient solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Melted queso blends seamlessly with perfectly seasoned protein and grains, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Hunger calls for something special, and you won’t be disappointed by this crowd-pleasing combination.

Grab a spoon and prepare for a delightful culinary adventure that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients Needed For One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the star of this one-pot meal and provides hearty nutrition.

• White Rice: A fluffy grain that absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish and creates a satisfying base.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Salsa: A zesty sauce that introduces additional flavor and moisture to the rice and chicken.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a warm, bold flavor profile for the chicken.
• Queso Dip: A creamy cheese sauce that melts into the dish, adding richness and smoothness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that provides extra melty goodness and tangy flavor.

• Fresh Cilantro: A bright herb that adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.
• Lime Wedges: Citrus slices that provide a tangy, zesty accent to balance the rich flavors.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the pan.

How To Cook One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 2: Build The Rice Base

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Salsa

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook Everything Together

Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture.

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Finish

• Queso dip
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the dish. Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips For One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor when cooking this one-pot meal.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Select a mild or medium salsa to ensure balanced heat without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels for extra nutrition and color boost to the rice mixture.
• For a gluten-free version, confirm your salsa and queso are certified gluten-free before preparing the recipe.

Creative Alternatives For One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Skillet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Mexican Quinoa Bowl: Swap rice with quinoa, add extra jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice, keeping all other ingredients the same for a lower-carbohydrate meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure salsa and queso are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free spices to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions For One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Fiesta Plate Party: Serve this vibrant dish with warm tortillas on the side for scooping up extra cheesy goodness.
• Tex-Mex Family Feast: Create a colorful spread by adding fresh guacamole, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños as optional toppings to complement the rich, cheesy chicken and rice.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining portions into delicious lunch wraps by tucking the cheesy chicken and rice into flour tortillas, adding fresh greens for extra crunch.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the hearty, cheesy main dish and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Storing One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Effectively

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store queso chicken and rice in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and salsa, but you can control the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa. For less spice, use a mild salsa or reduce the amount of chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your salsa and queso dip are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice, A Cheesy Delight

• Simplify Meal Prep: Create a delicious dinner using just one pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time. This recipe streamlines cooking with minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and cheese types to match your family's taste preferences. Swap salsa varieties or add extra toppings for a personalized meal experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Deliver a satisfying, protein-packed meal in under an hour with minimal cooking skills required. Perfectly balanced with rice, chicken, and cheesy goodness that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• No-Fuss Flavor Explosion: Combine Mexican-inspired seasonings and cheesy queso for a mouthwatering dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal prepared right in your own kitchen. Packed with bold spices and creamy textures that make every bite exciting.

Creamy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot queso chicken and rice delights dinner crowds with creamy, cheesy comfort. Mexican-inspired flavors blend seamlessly, promising you a quick and satisfying meal that brings family together around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)

Grains and Liquid:

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup salsa
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the dish.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with aromatic spices, creating a flavorful exterior before searing each side until golden brown and caramelized, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the skillet ready for the next stage of cooking.
4. Pour rice, rich chicken broth, and zesty salsa into the same skillet, stirring to create a harmonious mixture that will infuse the rice with vibrant flavors.
5. Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the dish to simmer for 20 minutes, letting the rice absorb the liquid and the chicken cook thoroughly.
7. Once cooking is complete, remove from heat and introduce creamy queso dip and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a luxurious, smooth sauce.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of herbaceous brightness.
9. Serve immediately with tangy lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over their meal.

Notes

• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile for every palate.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs without compromising the dish’s core texture.
• Use low-fat or dairy-free cheese options to accommodate lactose-intolerant or health-conscious individuals while maintaining the creamy consistency.
• This one-pot wonder stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or lunch prep with minimal cleanup.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 456 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg