Quick & Creamy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

Spicing up weeknight dinners becomes a breeze with this one pot queso chicken and rice marvel that promises comfort without complexity.

Cheese lovers will recognize this dish as a game-changing solution for quick meals.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in every single bite.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces throughout the rice.

Weeknight meal planning just got significantly more delicious and effortless.

Families craving something simple yet satisfying will appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Made Simple

• Quick and Hassle-Free Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes, saving precious cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Flavor-Packed Convenience: Combining chicken, rice, salsa, and cheese creates a satisfying meal with bold southwestern-inspired flavors that require minimal ingredient prep and cooking skills.
• Family-Friendly Meal Solution: The recipe offers a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both adults and kids, with customizable spice levels and simple ingredients everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Perfect for hectic schedules, this recipe provides a complete protein-rich meal that comes together quickly and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

What You Need for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the primary protein of the dish.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for searing and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and infuses additional flavor into the rice.
• Salsa: Adds zesty tomato flavor and moisture to the rice base.

• Uncooked Rice: Serves as the hearty and filling foundation of the one-pot meal.
• Queso Cheese Dip, Shredded Cheddar: Creamy cheeses that melt into a rich, smooth sauce coating the dish.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten and add a final touch of flavor to the dish.

How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Prepare Rice Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Salsa

Stir ingredients together and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Cook Chicken And Rice

Place seared chicken back into the pot, nestling pieces into the rice mixture.

Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and cook for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Remove chicken from the pot.

• Queso cheese dip
• Shredded cheddar

Mix until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Return chicken to the pot.

Optional garnishes include fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and tender results.
• Toast spices like cumin and chili powder briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities.
• Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains in the final dish.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and salsa to control salt content, especially helpful for health-conscious individuals.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Flavor Variations for Queso Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, keeping the same spice blend and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and confirm gluten-free salsa to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese for a more intense flavor profile that kicks up the heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use a low-carb queso cheese to create a keto-friendly one-pot meal that maintains the original recipe's zesty character.

Serving One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Spicy Fiesta Bowl: Layer the queso chicken and rice in a deep bowl, topped with extra cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal.
• Family-Style Platter: Spread the creamy rice on a large serving plate, arrange chicken breasts on top, and drizzle with additional queso for a stunning centerpiece.
• Taco Night Twist: Shred the chicken and serve in warm tortillas with the cheesy rice as a delicious side, creating a build-your-own taco experience for everyone.
• Quick Lunch Prep: Pack individual containers with the queso chicken and rice for easy, flavorful work or school lunches that reheat perfectly.

Storing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled queso chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by using airtight containers.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or boneless chicken tenders. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa you choose. Use mild salsa for less heat or a spicier salsa if you want more kick. You can also add jalapeños for extra heat.

• What if I don't have queso cheese dip?

You can replace queso with cream cheese or a mix of shredded cheese like monterey jack and cheddar. The goal is to create a creamy, melted cheese sauce.

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Cheesy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice delivers comfort wrapped in Mexican-inspired flavors, blending tender chicken with creamy queso and perfectly seasoned rice. Hungry home cooks can quickly craft this delightful meal that promises satisfaction in just one pan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup queso cheese dip (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

Garnish:

• Lime wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a capacious pot over moderate heat. Coat chicken with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear protein for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Into the identical pot, introduce uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Combine ingredients and elevate to a boiling point.
3. Carefully reposition seared chicken into the rice mixture, ensuring protein is partially submerged. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and allow contents to simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Extract chicken from the pot. Incorporate queso cheese dip and shredded cheddar, stirring until mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
5. Return chicken to the pot, gently nestling into the cheesy rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over the dish for a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in spices for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the taste profile.
• Choose low-sodium broth and salsa to control salt intake, making the dish more diet-friendly.
• Swap chicken with tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, zesty essence.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutritional boost, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg