Quick & Cozy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pot queso chicken and rice dish brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Cheese lovers will find this recipe irresistibly creamy and satisfying.

Weeknight meals demand quick and delicious solutions that don’t compromise on flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to create a hearty meal everyone can enjoy.

Tender chicken nestles among fluffy rice, blanketed in rich, melted queso.

Minimal cleanup means more time for savoring each delectable bite.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future cozy dinners that promise zero disappointment.

Why One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Is A Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Create a complete meal in one pot with minimal cleanup, saving precious time and energy after a long day.
• Boost Flavor Explosion: Combine zesty spices, tender chicken, melted cheese, and tangy tomatoes for a mouthwatering dish that packs serious taste in every bite.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Crafted with kid-approved ingredients and a creamy texture that appeals to all ages, making mealtime a stress-free experience for parents.
• Quick Comfort Cuisine: Deliver a satisfying, hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything You Need For One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Chicken: Protein-packed cubed meat that forms the hearty base of this one-pot dish.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that absorbs the delicious flavors and creates a satisfying texture.
• Queso Cheese Sauce: Creamy, rich sauce that adds a luxurious cheesy flavor to the entire dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika: Spice combination that provides depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and adds extra savory flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture, slight acidity, and a hint of heat to the dish.
• Mexican Blend Cheese: Melty topping that provides an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings a bright, herbal garnish to finish the dish.

Steps To Make One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Rice
• Chicken broth
• Queso cheese sauce
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. The rice should become tender and absorb all the liquid.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, scatter shredded Mexican blend cheese across the top. Cover the pot again and let it rest for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the pot from the heat and give it a gentle stir. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top.

Serve the dish piping hot directly from the pot.

Helpful Tips For One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Swap chicken with tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish's creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor to the meal.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cheese to make this recipe more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
• For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before serving to customize the spice level.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking time and ensure a smooth, stress-free one-pot cooking experience.

Tasty Spins On One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace queso cheese sauce with pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Medley: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, use feta cheese instead of queso, and mix in kalamata olives and diced cucumber.
• Creamy Tex-Mex Style: Incorporate cream cheese with the queso sauce, add corn kernels, and top with sliced green onions for a richer flavor profile.
• Protein Power Bowl: Replace chicken with ground turkey or black beans, use brown rice instead of white rice, and sprinkle with additional protein like diced chorizo on top.

Perfect Pairings For One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Flavor Fusion Beverage Pairing: Crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial complements the dish's spicy and cheesy profile, cutting through the richness while refreshing the palate.
• Zesty Cocktail Companion: Margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila enhances the queso and cumin flavors, adding a tangy brightness that elevates the chicken and rice.
• Herb-Infused Refreshment: Cilantro-lime mocktail with sparkling water, offering a light, zingy alternative that mirrors the dish's fresh cilantro garnish and provides a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy meal.
• Comfort Sipper Solution: Smooth horchata provides a creamy, cinnamon-touched counterpoint to the spicy and savory one-pot meal, soothing the palate with its sweet and milky essence.

How To Keep One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer Storage: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Stovetop Warming: Reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent burning, warming until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs About One-Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Add 1/2 cup extra broth and increase simmering time to 35-40 minutes.

• What can I substitute for queso cheese sauce if I can't find it?

Use nacho cheese sauce, cream cheese mixed with salsa, or a homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and milk.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has mild heat from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. For more spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce. For less heat, use plain diced tomatoes.

• Can I make this recipe with a different protein?

Absolutely! Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, or shrimp. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose.

One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy one-pot queso chicken and rice brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Cheesy, spicy goodness combines tender chicken and fluffy rice into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup jarred queso cheese sauce
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
2. Add cubed chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until chicken turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, chicken broth, queso cheese sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
4. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and allow to simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice reaches a tender consistency and liquid is fully absorbed.
5. After rice is cooked, generously scatter shredded Mexican blend cheese across the surface. Replace lid and let stand for 2-3 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely.
6. Remove from heat and gently fold ingredients to integrate melted cheese. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Substitute dairy-free queso and cheese for a vegan version using plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutrients, adjusting cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg