Savory One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe That Wows

Crafting a mouthwatering one pot queso chicken and rice dish sparks joy for home cooks seeking simple, delicious meals.

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy culinary creation that promises minimal cleanup.

Cheesy, tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying blend of flavors.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.

Mexican-inspired ingredients combine to deliver a quick weeknight dinner solution that keeps everyone happy.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this streamlined recipe that packs maximum taste into minimal effort.

Dig in and savor every delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing one-pot wonder.

Keeping One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain texture.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, ensuring they're completely cooled. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even pork chops. Just ensure the meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and green chiles. You can adjust the heat by using more or less chili powder or adding hot sauce according to your preference.

• What if I don't have queso?

If you don’t have queso, you can use cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or a mixture of cheeses to create a similar creamy texture in the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chicken broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to ensure complete dietary compliance.

Why One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Shines

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine chicken, rice, and cheese in one pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time for busy families.
• Spice Up Family Dinners: Packed with bold flavors from chili powder, cumin, and green chiles, this dish transforms ordinary weeknight meals into exciting culinary experiences.
• Quick and Satisfying: Requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want a delicious, hearty meal without complicated techniques.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like cilantro or additional spices, allowing everyone to personalize their plate and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dinner.

What You Need To Make One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that forms the core of this hearty one-pot meal.
• Rice: Staple grain that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying base for the dish.
• Queso: Creamy cheese sauce that adds rich, melty texture to the rice.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder: Spice blend that enhances the chicken's flavor and adds depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for searing chicken and preventing sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the rice and chicken.
• Diced Tomatoes, Green Chiles: Provide extra moisture and a slight tangy, spicy kick to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds extra cheesy goodness and melts into the rice.

• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and herbal freshness to the finished dish.

Instructions To Make One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Toast The Rice

Add uncooked rice to the same pot and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build The Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Green chiles

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook Chicken And Rice

Return seared chicken to the pot, nestling pieces into the rice mixture.

Cover and cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Create Cheesy Finale

Remove chicken from the pot.

• Queso
• Shredded cheese

Mix until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Place chicken on top of the cheesy rice.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish if desired.

Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Tips For The Best One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Toast rice briefly in the pot before adding liquid to enhance its nutty taste and prevent clumping for a more appealing dish.
• Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack with queso for a more complex and rich cheesy flavor profile.
• Shred leftover chicken and mix into the rice for an easy lunch or next-day meal that stays deliciously creamy and satisfying.
• Add extra heat with diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who love a spicier southwestern-style meal.

Fun Spins On One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, using identical spices and cooking method for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Seafood Queso Edition: Swap chicken for shrimp or white fish, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, maintaining the same flavor profile and cheese sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute queso with nutritional yeast and cashew cream sauce, keeping the Mexican-inspired seasoning intact.

Ideal Serving Suggestions For One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Fiesta Feast: Perfect Meal Companions

• Fresh Green Crunch: Top the dish with crisp chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions for added texture and freshness.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside warm tortillas or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up the extra cheesy rice and create delightful bites.
• Cool and Creamy Accent: Add a dollop of sour cream or quick guacamole to balance the warm, cheesy flavors and provide a cool contrast.
• Spice Level Up: Sprinkle some hot sauce or salsa on top for those who love an extra kick of heat and want to customize their meal.

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Queso chicken and rice delivers a comforting Mexican-inspired skillet meal packed with creamy cheese and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a quick dinner that satisfies you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Grains and Liquids:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (16 fluid ounces) chicken broth
• 1 cup jarred queso (or homemade queso)

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced green chiles (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, preparing a flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken using salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
2. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated pot, creating a golden-brown exterior by searing approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary holding plate.
3. Introduce uncooked rice to the identical pot, gently toasting grains for 1-2 minutes to enhance their nutty essence and develop deeper flavor profiles.
4. Incorporate chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and green chiles, allowing the liquid mixture to reach a gentle simmering state.
5. Strategically nestle previously seared chicken pieces into the rice and liquid combination, ensuring even distribution. Cover and reduce heat, allowing ingredients to meld together for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
6. After cooking, extract chicken from the pot and transform the rice mixture into a creamy delight by stirring in queso and shredded cheese until smooth and fully incorporated.
7. Present the succulent chicken atop the luxurious cheese-infused rice, optionally embellishing with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize chicken seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun or taco seasoning for varied flavor profiles.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy protein option that stays moist during cooking.
• Make the dish gluten-free by using certified gluten-free rice and checking that all seasoning blends are gluten-free certified.
• Use reduced-fat cheese or plant-based cheese alternatives to create a lighter version of this hearty one-pot meal for health-conscious eaters.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg