Creamy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Joy

Creamy, cheesy goodness meets weeknight convenience in this mouthwatering one pot queso chicken and rice that promises to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among fluffy rice, swimming in a luxurious queso sauce that melts with every bite.

The dish comes together effortlessly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and maximizing flavor potential.

Weeknight dinner just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Packed with protein and bursting with cheesy richness, you’ll find yourself craving this meal again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner solution that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful culinary adventure.

One Pot Queso Chicken & Rice Steps

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks about an inch wide.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

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

Toss seasoned chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook while stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes until chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked.

Drain any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid Base

• Chicken broth
• Nacho cheese sauce
• Rotel tomatoes

Stir ingredients and bring to a rolling boil.

Watch as the queso and broth merge into a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 4: Transform into One-Pot Wonder

Mix uncooked long-grain white rice into the boiling mixture.

Ensure rice grains are completely submerged.

Cover skillet with lid, reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer 20-25 minutes until liquid absorbs and rice becomes tender.

Add extra broth if rice needs more cooking time.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Fluff rice with a fork.

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro

Enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken rice feast!

Tips for Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Adjust chicken broth amount based on rice type to ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy rice without becoming mushy or dry.
• Add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle of fresh cilantro at the end to brighten the overall taste profile and add freshness.
• Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who love an extra kick of heat in their one-pot meal.
• Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version, and use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps all the delicious queso flavor.

How to Store Queso Chicken Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate rice and chicken if possible to maintain better texture.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

Side Ideas for Queso Chicken

• Pair Fiesta-Ready Beverages: Crisp Mexican lager or zesty margarita perfectly complements the rich, cheesy chicken and rice dish, cutting through its creamy texture.
• Balanced Wine Selection: Bright, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, spicy flavors of the one-pot meal.
• Elevate with Fresh Sides: Prepare a light, tangy Mexican-style coleslaw or quick pico de gallo to add brightness and crunch, balancing the dish's richness and enhancing its overall flavor profile.
• Cool Down with Refreshments: Serve chilled horchata or a citrusy agua fresca to soothe the palate and provide a sweet, cooling counterpoint to the warm, cheesy chicken and rice.

New Twists for Queso Chicken & Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Rotel for fresh chopped green chiles, and include smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy queso texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Ensure all ingredients like nacho cheese sauce are certified gluten-free, and use certified gluten-free rice to accommodate sensitivity needs.

FAQs

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy. It provides the perfect texture for this one-pot chicken and queso dish.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and can add more flavor. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces and cooked thoroughly. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes can add a mild kick, but it’s not typically considered a very spicy dish. If you want more heat, you can add extra hot sauce or choose a spicier version of Rotel. For less heat, use original Rotel or mild salsa.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, choose a reduced-fat nacho cheese sauce, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn. You can also use lean chicken breast and control the portion size to make it more nutritious.

What Makes Queso Chicken & Rice Special

• This one-pot queso chicken and rice recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks.
• Prepare an entire meal using just one skillet, reducing dish-washing hassle and saving precious kitchen time.
• Combine zesty Rotel, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken for a mouthwatering dinner that comes together super quickly.
• Kids and adults will love this cheesy, hearty dish that offers customizable toppings and satisfies even picky eaters with its crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

Ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of chicken that form the protein base of this one-pot meal.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A flavor-packed mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: Adds a creamy, cheesy element that makes the dish rich and indulgent.
• Rotel: Brings a zesty tomato and green chile kick to the recipe.

• Long-Grain White Rice: The foundation of the dish that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking to the pan.

• Sour Cream, Avocado, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add extra texture and brightness to the final dish.

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Cheesy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. Mexican-inspired flavors meld perfectly, delivering a satisfying meal that delights hungry families in just one skillet.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2.25 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) nacho cheese sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel
• 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, then generously coat with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper for robust flavor infusion.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken pieces, sautéing for 5-7 minutes while stirring consistently to ensure golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking. Discard any excess liquid to maintain dish integrity.
3. Introduce chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to create a cohesive, bubbling sauce that will serve as the foundation for the dish.
4. Incorporate uncooked long-grain white rice into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete grain submersion. Cover skillet with lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and allow contents to simmer for 20-25 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed and rice reaches tender consistency.
5. Gently fluff rice with a fork to separate grains. Transfer to serving dishes and embellish with preferred taco accompaniments such as sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior and enhance flavor absorption.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cumin and pepper quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that nacho cheese sauce and Rotel are certified gluten-free before using.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 85mg