One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is not only packed with flavor but also super easy to whip up on those busy weeknights. Imagine tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy queso sauce, all served over fluffy rice. This dish has quickly become a staple in my home because it’s comforting, satisfying, and requires minimal clean-up—who doesn’t love that?

Whether it’s a hectic back-to-school evening or a cozy family gathering, this one pot meal fits the bill perfectly. You can even play around with toppings to make it your own. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze!
• Flavorful goodness: The combination of queso and seasoned chicken creates an irresistible taste.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds—you might want to double the recipe!
• Quick preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can get dinner on the table in no time.
• Customizable options: Add your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients based on what you have at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice are simple and wholesome. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Let’s gather what we need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large chicken breasts)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel
• 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice

Variations

The beauty of One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of diced chicken breasts for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn to boost the nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños or use spicy nacho cheese sauce.
• Switch the grains: Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips (about 1 inch). This helps ensure that each piece cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, stirring frequently. This step is crucial as it builds flavor right from the start!

Step 3: Add Broth and Sauces

Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring everything to a boil—it’ll smell amazing! This mixture creates a flavorful base that will infuse into the rice as it cooks.

Step 4: Incorporate the Rice

Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Don’t lift that lid too early—the steam helps cook everything perfectly!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, or sliced avocado. Enjoy every bite of this comforting meal!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and I want to share some tips to make your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice experience even better!

• Use high-quality chicken broth: A rich, flavorful broth enhances the entire dish, making every bite deliciously savory. Opting for low-sodium options can help you control the saltiness.
• Don’t skip the seasonings: Proper seasoning is key! The garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper work together to infuse the chicken with flavor. Feel free to adjust these spices based on your taste preferences.
• Adjust the rice cooking time: Depending on your stovetop and the type of rice used, cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on the liquid absorption and texture of the rice to achieve perfect doneness.
• Experiment with toppings: Toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate your dish. They add freshness and a burst of flavor that complements the creamy queso sauce.
• Make it ahead for meal prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Prepare it in advance for busy weeknights or pack it up for lunches throughout the week!

How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Presenting your delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice in an appealing way can enhance mealtime enjoyment. Here are some ideas on how to elevate this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a refreshing flavor that brightens up each bite.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado complements the cheesy goodness while also adding healthy fats to your meal.
• Pico de gallo: This fresh salsa brings vibrant flavors and textures that perfectly balance the richness of the queso sauce.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A colorful mix of sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and cheese creates a zesty side that pairs wonderfully with the main dish.
• Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, bell peppers, lime juice, and spices adds protein and complements the flavors of queso chicken.
• Simple Green Salad: Crisp lettuce topped with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.
• Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a fantastic appetizer or side that everyone will love.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice will not only taste amazing but also look stunning at any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is not only a delightful dish to enjoy fresh but also an excellent choice for meal prep! You can easily make this dish ahead of time and store it for those busy weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen up the rice.
• Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short increments, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice, so add an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time and ensure there’s enough liquid.

What can I serve with One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?

This dish pairs well with a variety of toppings! Consider serving it with sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added flavor and texture.

Is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy a quick weeknight dinner.

How do I make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice spicier?

For extra heat, you can add diced green chilies or increase the amount of Rotel tomatoes. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the mix before serving!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or ingredients; this recipe is all about making it your own. Happy cooking!