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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Into the identical pot, introduce uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Combine ingredients and elevate to a boiling point.
- 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.
- Extract chicken from the pot. Incorporate queso cheese dip and shredded cheddar, stirring until mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
- 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