The Best One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Meals

My kitchen recently discovered a magical one pot queso chicken and rice that simplifies weeknight dinners with pure deliciousness.

Creamy cheese sauce mingles perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy rice grains.

Comfort meets convenience in this single-skillet wonder that saves you precious cleaning time.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals combining protein, carbs, and incredible flavor in less than thirty minutes.

Southwestern spices dance through each bite, creating a meal guaranteed to spark smiles around the dinner table.

Melted cheese blankets every morsel, promising a satisfying experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Why One Pot Queso Chicken & Rice Is a Comfort Classic

• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved chicken and cheesy rice in a comforting meal that satisfies everyone from picky eaters to hungry adults.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious, nutritious dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout, with minimal prep and cooking steps.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows home cooks to swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables for a personalized touch that keeps mealtime exciting.

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean and tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy oil for sautéing and adding rich base flavor.

• Dried Seasonings: Blend of spices that provide depth and enhance chicken's natural taste.
• Salt: Classic seasoning for bringing out food's natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Warm, slightly spicy seasoning that complements chicken well.

Cooking One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken with Spices

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

Add chicken pieces and sprinkle dried seasonings directly onto the meat.

Let the chicken sear and develop a golden, flavorful crust while cooking.

Stir the pieces frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Check Chicken Doneness

Continue cooking the chicken until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Use a meat thermometer to verify the temperature, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.

If you notice excess liquid in the pan from the cooking process, carefully tilt the skillet and drain away the extra moisture.

Step 3: Prepare Rice Base

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir the ingredients together, allowing the rice to absorb the delicious chicken flavors already present in the pan.

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.

Let the rice cook slowly, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender.

Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent cooking temperature.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar
• Monterey jack
• Optional: green onions

Cover again and let the cheese melt completely, creating a creamy, irresistible topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Helpful Tips for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Remove any extra chicken juices to prevent soggy rice and ensure a crisp texture in your final dish.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to customize the spice level for different taste preferences.
• Use long-grain white rice for best results, as it absorbs flavors perfectly and maintains a fluffy consistency throughout cooking.
• Add shredded cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy queso sauce without clumping or burning.
• Substitute chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences.

How to Keep Queso Chicken & Rice Fresh

• Store leftover queso chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Revive the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Pairings for Queso Chicken and Rice

• Harmonize Flavors with Refreshing Margaritas: Complement the cheesy, spicy queso chicken and rice with a zesty classic margarita that cuts through the richness and enhances the dish's Mexican-inspired profile.
• Crisp Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light, citrusy salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty main dish and add a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Cool Down with Mexican Beer: Serve an ice-cold Corona or Modelo Especial to echo the dish's vibrant flavors, with its light, crisp character helping to temper the queso's richness.
• Elevate with Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled jalapeños or quick-pickled red onions to introduce a bright, acidic element that cuts through the creamy texture and adds a zingy punch.

Variants for Queso Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Fiesta: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a plant-based protein-packed meal.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap regular cheese with pepper jack for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use gluten-free rice, confirm all spices are certified gluten-free, and select corn-based queso for celiac-safe preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's creamy, cheesy essence.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust the cooking liquid and time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe can be mildly spicy depending on the type of taco seasoning and cheese you use. If you prefer less heat, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount used.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu, or vegetarian chicken substitute. Keep the seasonings and other ingredients the same for a similar flavor profile.

• What if I don't have taco seasoning?

Create a homemade blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the flavor and spice level of the dish.

One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice delivers comfort in a single skillet, blending creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. Spicy, cheesy goodness awaits with each satisfying spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups (540 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) nacho cheese sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces or 284 grams) Rotel
• 1 1/2 cups (270 grams) uncooked long-grain white rice

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a large skillet with olive oil, sprinkling dried seasonings evenly to enhance flavor profile and create a golden exterior.
2. Monitor chicken’s internal temperature, stirring periodically to ensure uniform cooking and prevent uneven browning.
3. Carefully drain any accumulated liquid to maintain optimal cooking conditions and prevent soggy texture.
4. Introduce rice directly into the same skillet, allowing the grains to toast slightly and absorb the rich, seasoned chicken drippings.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pan, creating a uniform mixture that will help rice cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor.
6. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the rice to simmer gently until liquid is fully absorbed and grains become tender.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to let the cheese melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing cheese to integrate thoroughly and flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a vibrant, fresh finish that adds color and additional depth to the one-pot meal.

Notes

• Drain excess chicken liquid to prevent soggy rice and ensure a perfect texture.
• Opt for long-grain white rice for the most consistent and fluffy results in this one-pot meal.
• Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• Enhance flavor by using homemade or high-quality queso instead of store-bought for a more authentic and rich taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg