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If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and packed with hearty flavors yet requires almost no fuss, this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, golden-browned chicken mingling with perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in luscious queso cheese and enlivened by the zesty kick of diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. It’s the kind of recipe that not only fills your belly but also lifts your spirits, and the best part is that it all comes together easily in just one pot—less mess, more flavor. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a regular craving for weeknight dinners or whenever you want something comforting served with an exciting twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe sing with flavor. Each component plays an essential role—from the tender chicken and fluffy rice to the creamy queso and vibrant tomatoes that add color and a touch of heat. These simple staples come together seamlessly, creating a balance of textures and tastes that transform everyday ingredients into a standout dish.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and juicy, tender bites.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Fluffy and perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors from the pot.
- 1 cup queso cheese: Whether store-bought or homemade, this creamy cheese sauce is the heart of the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a fresh, zesty kick and a splash of color to the meal.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid that cooks the rice and infuses the dish with depth.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: A flavorful blend that spices the chicken and ties everything together.
- Optional add-ins such as 1/2 cup corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers: These boost texture and add extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, get everything ready before turning on the heat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. Measure out your rice, queso, taco seasoning, broth, and tomatoes with chilies so that everything is at your fingertips—it makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle half the taco seasoning over them and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step adds enticing texture and enhances the flavor, even if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this point.
Step 3: Add Rice and Toast It Slightly
Push the browned chicken to one side of the pan and pour the rice onto the cleared surface. Toasting the rice for about 1 minute while stirring gently awakens its nutty flavor and helps it hold its shape during cooking—a subtle step that truly elevates the dish.
Step 4: Pour in Liquids and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the magic. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and the remaining taco seasoning into the pot. Stir everything well, making sure the rice is evenly submerged and the chicken is distributed through the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer Until Rice is Tender
Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let everything cook together for 18 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the rice to absorb all the rich flavors, and the chicken cooks through perfectly—don’t forget to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Step 6: Stir in Queso and Let It Melt
Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in the queso cheese. Watch as it melts into the rice and chicken in a smooth, creamy blanket of cheesy bliss. This step is what truly makes this dish unforgettable—so rich, indulgent, and satisfying.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finish off by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of cool sour cream for contrast. Serve it steaming hot straight from the pot—comfort food at its finest with so much flavor packed into every mouthful.
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your chance to add a fresh and vibrant touch. Bright cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, while sliced jalapeños bring an extra punch of heat for those who love a little spice. A dollop of sour cream cools and balances the richness of the queso, making every bite perfect.
Side Dishes
This dish is delightfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving with a simple green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips for texture contrast. A side of roasted vegetables or a light corn salad pairs beautifully, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe in colorful bowls or on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by fresh lime wedges. Make it a taco night topping or scoop it into warm tortillas for a handheld treat. You can even turn leftovers into stuffed peppers or a hearty burrito bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an easy yet delicious meal ready to go.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems dry to restore creaminess. The queso will loosen back up and the dish tastes just as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can swap long-grain white rice for brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the simmering stage accordingly to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly and becomes tender.
Is it okay to use store-bought queso cheese?
Absolutely! Store-bought queso cheese works well for convenience and still delivers great flavor. If you prefer homemade queso, it gives you control over the ingredients and lets you customize spice levels to your liking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding extra beans, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms can provide great texture and keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe?
The level of spice is mild to moderate thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. You can ramp up the heat by adding fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder if you like things spicier.
What can I do if the rice isn’t fully cooked after simmering?
If your rice is still firm after the allotted cooking time, simply add a bit more broth or water, cover the pot again, and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes on low heat until the rice softens completely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe enough—it’s the ultimate comfort meal that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a cozy solo dinner, this one pot wonder will quickly become a go-to favorite. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and prepare to indulge in a creamy, cheesy, home-cooked delight that warms the heart and satisfies every craving.
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Print
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are browned and simmered with rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a zesty taco seasoning blend. The dish is finished with creamy queso cheese that melts into a luscious sauce, uniting all the flavors beautifully. Optional add-ins like corn, black beans, or bell peppers make it versatile and colorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup queso cheese (store-bought or homemade)
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup corn, or 1/2 cup black beans, or 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for browning chicken)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and measure out all other ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.
- Season and brown the chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with half the taco seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Add rice and toast it slightly: Push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the rice to the other side and toast it for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour in liquids and seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), chicken broth, and the remaining taco seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer until rice is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir in queso and let it melt: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the queso cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve hot: Top with optional garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Queso cheese can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer (165°F).
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve more guests or for meal prep.
