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
Scale
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.
