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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the dish.
- Generously coat chicken breasts with aromatic spices, creating a flavorful exterior before searing each side until golden brown and caramelized, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the skillet ready for the next stage of cooking.
- 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.
- Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the rice mixture, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the dish for a burst of herbaceous brightness.
- 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