One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dining table. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice, all cooked in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it ensures minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. With its cheesy goodness and zesty undertones, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time and a 28-minute cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple pans! Everything cooks together in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of chicken, cheese sauce, and spices creates a rich and satisfying meal.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize each serving with your favorite toppings like sour cream or avocado for added flair.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment can simplify the cooking process and enhance your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid for the skillet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or sauté pan: A larger pan allows you to cook the chicken evenly while providing enough space for the rice to expand.
- Sharp knife: Ensures you can quickly cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces without any hassle.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large chicken breasts)
For the Sauce
- 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
For Cooking
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel
For the Rice
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
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).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken while stirring frequently until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. If there’s excess liquid in the pan from cooking, drain it.
Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 20–25 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, or sliced avocado.
Enjoy your delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a delicious dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings and sides. Serving this meal with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavors and create a delightful dining experience for your family.
Taco Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spiciness.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro give a zesty kick.
- Chopped Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes add freshness and brightness.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado offers richness and enhances the texture.
Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor and color.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the entire dish.
Additional Sides
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the savory flavors perfectly.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well with the cheesy chicken and rice.
How to Perfect One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To make sure your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the seasonings: The spices are crucial; they elevate the dish’s overall taste. Adjust according to your preferences.
- Monitor cooking time carefully: Overcooking can make the rice mushy. Keep an eye on it as it cooks.
- Let it sit before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps all flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice can create a complete meal that’s satisfying. Here are some great options:
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and fiber, making them a hearty side.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This corn salad brings sweetness with a creamy dressing, adding texture to your meal.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad offers freshness that balances out the richness of the main dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide smoky flavors that pair well with cheesy rice.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be used for scooping or enjoyed alongside your dish.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish complements the main course beautifully, enhancing Mexican flavors.
- Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins: Spicy muffins add warmth and a delightful twist to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Always use the recommended spices to enhance taste.
- Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth can make the rice mushy. Stick to the specified amount of chicken broth for best results.
- Not covering while cooking: Leaving the lid off can lead to uneven cooking. Always cover your pot to ensure even heat distribution.
- Ignoring rice type: Substituting rice types can change cooking times and texture. Use long-grain white rice as specified for optimal results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165℉ and remove it from heat when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.
Freezing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice so convenient?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is easy because everything cooks in one pan, saving time on both prep and cleanup.
Can I customize the toppings for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can add your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or different cheeses to make it your own.
How do I prevent my rice from sticking in One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
Make sure you stir occasionally during cooking, and avoid overcooking which can cause sticking.
Is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines comfort with convenience. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings or even ingredients based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This delicious dish combines tender chicken pieces, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one pot, ensuring minimal cleanup. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add chicken along with spices. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Stir in chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel; bring to a boil.
- Add the uncooked rice and stir well.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 20–25 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 535
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
