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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sear chicken pieces in a large skillet with olive oil, sprinkling dried seasonings evenly to enhance flavor profile and create a golden exterior.
- Monitor chicken’s internal temperature, stirring periodically to ensure uniform cooking and prevent uneven browning.
- Carefully drain any accumulated liquid to maintain optimal cooking conditions and prevent soggy texture.
- Introduce rice directly into the same skillet, allowing the grains to toast slightly and absorb the rich, seasoned chicken drippings.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan, creating a uniform mixture that will help rice cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor.
- 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.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, covering the skillet to let the cheese melt completely and create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing cheese to integrate thoroughly and flavors to meld together.
- 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