If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that won’t leave you with a pile of dirty dishes, you have to try this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice. Tender bites of seasoned chicken, creamy queso, fluffy rice, and a hint of Tex-Mex spice come together in one skillet for a dish that’s as simple as it is irresistibly cheesy. Every forkful is a party, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients work together to create a dish that tastes like a restaurant favorite! Each one brings something special, from savory spices to cheesy richness, making this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice a real crowd-pleaser.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for even more flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- Cumin: Adds earthy, slightly smoky undertones for that classic Tex-Mex taste.
- Garlic powder: Ensures you get delicious garlicky flavor in every bite, no chopping required.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors and adds sweetness without needing fresh onions.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors so everything pops.
- Black pepper: A little kick of spice to balance the creamy elements.
- Long grain white rice (uncooked): Cooks up fluffy and soaks up all those scrumptious juices.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps it perfectly tender.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained): Adds a tangy, zesty character and a hit of color.
- Queso dip: The star of the show, bringing that cheesy, melty goodness everyone loves.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Makes the dish extra gooey and irresistible.
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness that brightens every serving.
How to Make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in your chicken pieces and sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring here and there, until the chicken is beautifully browned on the outside—but don’t worry about cooking it all the way through yet. Browning the chicken first builds a flavorful base and helps lock in juicy tenderness.
Step 2: Add the Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes
Toss in your uncooked rice right into the skillet with the chicken, followed by the chicken broth and the whole can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (liquid and all). Give everything a hearty stir to combine. This is when the rice starts soaking up that gorgeously seasoned liquid, mingling with the juicy chicken, and pulling in all those Tex-Mex flavors.
Step 3: Simmer and Let the Magic Happen
Bring your skillet to a boil, then immediately dial the heat down to low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and let everything simmer away for about 18 to 20 minutes. By the end, your rice should be perfectly tender and all of the liquid will have been absorbed—no crunchy surprises here! If you peek and see it’s not quite ready, just cover it up and let it go for a few more minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the Queso and Cheese
Now for the fun part! Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the queso dip and shredded Mexican blend cheese. As the residual warmth from the rice and chicken works its magic, everything will melt together into an ultra-creamy, cheesy delight. It smells so good, you’ll want to dive in immediately, but let it rest for five minutes so the flavors settle and it thickens up a touch.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scoop generous spoonfuls of your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice into bowls or onto plates, and shower the top with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and herby brightness. This meal is ready to impress, right from one pan!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is only the beginning! For extra flair, try sliced jalapeños for heat, a squeeze of lime to lift the flavors, or even a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang. If you love a little crunch, scatter on some crushed tortilla chips just before eating.
Side Dishes
This dish is super satisfying on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want a little variety, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in avocado dressing, roasted corn, or some sautéed peppers. Warm flour tortillas or a side of black beans are also fantastic, letting you scoop and savor every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice into Tex-Mex burrito fillings or stuff it inside bell peppers for a fun twist. It’s also amazing layered into a casserole dish with extra cheese, then baked for a golden bubbly top. This recipe shines on a weeknight but can truly wow as a party platter, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will keep developing, so it tastes just as dreamy the next day. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before packing it away.
Freezing
Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice actually freezes quite well! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and pop them in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a little extra chicken broth or water into the cold rice to perk up the texture, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and heat just until steaming—this keeps the chicken juicy and rice tender while reviving all that cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely, but you’ll need to add extra liquid and cook it longer since brown rice takes more time to soften. Check after 35 minutes and add more broth if needed.
What’s the best queso dip to use?
Store-bought queso from the refrigerated section works perfectly here, but if you have a homemade recipe you love, use that instead. The flavor profile is up to you—mild, spicy, smoky, or even with jalapeños!
Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add it after the rice is cooked, warming it through while you stir in the queso and cheese.
Can I add extra veggies or beans?
Definitely. Stir in a cup of drained black beans, sweet corn, or bell peppers along with the rice and broth for even more flavor and texture. It’s a great way to stretch the dish or sneak in extra veggies.
Is Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice spicy?
It’s gently spiced as written, but you can amp up the heat by using spicy queso, adding chopped jalapeños, or bumping up the chili powder to taste. The recipe is super flexible for your preferred spice level!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s playful, soulful, and exceptionally easy, you can’t go wrong with Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and instantly want to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful Tex-Mex dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pot for a convenient and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade queso dip
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken pieces, season with spices, and brown for 5–6 minutes.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes, bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat, stir in queso dip and cheese until creamy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- For a spicier version, use spicy queso or jalapeños.
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