Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is my new favorite weeknight meal. It’s so simple to make, and it’s ready in about 30 minutes! I love how the tender chicken and fluffy rice are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice from the Rotel. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is so simple, anyone can make it. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or when you’re short on time.
• Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy queso sauce is simply irresistible.
• One-Pan Wonder: This dish is made in just one pan, which means less cleanup for you.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite taco toppings.

this Recipe

Ingredients for One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Here’s what I use to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: I use chicken breast for this recipe, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Olive Oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil for cooking the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Cumin: These spices add a savory depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: This adds flavor and helps cook the rice.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: I use a can of nacho cheese sauce for convenience, but you can also make your own if you prefer.
• Rotel: This adds a bit of spice and a tomato flavor to the dish.
• Long-Grain White Rice: I use long-grain white rice because it cooks up fluffy and separate.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Different Protein: Use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of chicken breast.
• Spicy Kick: Use a can of medium or hot Rotel, or add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spices.
• Beans: Add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the dish.
• Veggies: Add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños to the skillet with the chicken.

How to Make One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

I start by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces or strips.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, I add the chicken and the dried seasonings to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

I stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Once the sauce is boiling, I stir in the uncooked rice.

Step 5: Simmer

I cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Serve

I serve the dish immediately with my favorite taco toppings, like sour cream, pico de gallo, or avocado.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This will help it brown properly.
• Rice Perfection: Use long-grain white rice for the best results. It will cook up fluffy and separate.

How to Serve

I love serving this One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice with:

• Taco Toppings: Sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, shredded lettuce, and cheese are all great toppings for this dish.
• Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a delicious taco bowl.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice mixture for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storing: Store leftover chicken and rice in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of chicken breast.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can use a spicier Rotel or add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spices.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid accordingly.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice. I hope you enjoy it!

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