Creamy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe for Busy Nights

Whipping up a delightful queso chicken and rice dish promises pure comfort on hectic weeknights.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with hearty ingredients in this single-pan marvel.

Cheese lovers will appreciate how effortlessly flavors meld together without complicated cooking techniques.

one-pot meals simplify dinner prep while delivering maximum satisfaction.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying delicious conversations around the table.

Streamlined ingredients create a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Add about 10-15 extra minutes of cooking and an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth to ensure the brown rice cooks properly.

• What if I don't have queso dip?

You can substitute with cream cheese, shredded cheese, or a mix of Mexican-style cheeses. The goal is to create a creamy, cheesy texture that blends well with the chicken and rice.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa you use. Choose mild salsa for less heat, medium for a little kick, or hot salsa if you want more spice. You can also control the heat by adjusting the chili powder.

What Makes One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice So Good

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine chicken, rice, and queso in one pot, reducing dishes and cleanup time for busy home cooks.
• Spice Up Family Dinners: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making mealtime exciting and delicious.
• Quick Comfort Food: Delivers a satisfying, creamy one-pot meal that comes together faster than traditional rice and chicken dishes, perfect for weeknight cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like extra cheese, cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides the primary protein for the one-pot dish.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the hearty foundation of the recipe, absorbing the flavorful liquid and creating a satisfying texture.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Chili Powder: Spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken and overall dish flavor.

• Chicken Broth, Salsa: Liquids that help cook the rice and infuse the dish with moisture and zesty flavor.

• Queso Dip, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and a smooth, melted texture to the final dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for sautéing the chicken and prevents sticking.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb finish to the completed one-pot meal.

How to Prepare One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 2: Create The Base

Add rice, chicken broth, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Slow Cook The Goodness

Lower the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the dish cook quietly for 18-20 minutes.

The rice will become tender and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 4: Add Creamy Queso Magic

Remove the lid and stir in the queso dip.

Mix until the entire dish becomes wonderfully creamy and the queso coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it becomes gooey and irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top.

Serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting, one-pot meal that’ll make everyone happy.

Helpful Tips for One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb.
• Choose mild or spicy salsa based on your heat preference, adjusting the flavor profile of the entire dish.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for varied taste experiences.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure everything is ready when needed.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the rice absorb remaining liquid and enhance overall texture.

Flavor Twists for One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate chipotle powder for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the same flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure salsa and queso are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free chicken broth to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Pairing Suggestions for One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this zesty one-pot meal directly from the skillet for a casual, rustic dining experience that encourages everyone to dig in together.
• Taco Night Twist: Transform the dish into a build-your-own taco filling by offering warm tortillas, extra salsa, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños on the side for personalized flavor combinations.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Present the queso chicken and rice in individual small bowls or ramekins for easy buffet-style serving during sports watching parties, allowing guests to grab and enjoy quickly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack cooled portions into meal prep containers for a delicious lunch option that reheats beautifully and maintains its creamy texture throughout the week.

Best Storage for One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Store leftover queso chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate the dish for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odor absorption.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated leftovers by adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture, then warm in microwave or on stovetop at medium heat, stirring occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Quick One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired one pot queso chicken and rice delights dinner tables with rich, creamy comfort. Cheese-laden chicken and fluffy rice combine for a simple meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Rice and Liquid Base:

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

Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:

• 1 cup jarred queso dip
• 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing chicken pieces seasoned with aromatic spices until golden brown and caramelized, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Introduce uncooked rice, fragrant chicken broth, and zesty salsa into the skillet, thoroughly mixing ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
3. Lower temperature to low, securely cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 18-20 minutes, ensuring rice becomes perfectly tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Incorporate creamy queso dip, stirring vigorously to create a smooth, luxurious texture that coats every morsel of chicken and rice.
5. Optional: Sprinkle generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, then cover briefly to allow cheese to melt into a delectable golden blanket, requiring 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish by scattering freshly chopped cilantro over the dish, creating a vibrant and aromatic presentation that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Enhance protein variety by swapping chicken for turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and selecting mild or hot salsa to match personal heat preferences.
• Elevate nutritional content by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans during the rice cooking stage for extra vegetables and fiber.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch wrap or cold salad by mixing remaining queso chicken and rice with fresh greens and additional toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg