Description
This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a delicious and comforting Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy rice, all cooked together in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich flavors with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of chicken, long-grain rice, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips, about 1 inch each. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures it blends well with the rice in the final dish. - Sauté the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan with higher sides and a lid over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. If there’s excess liquid in the pan, drain it before proceeding. - Combine Ingredients:
Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This step is important as it begins the cooking process for the rice and allows the flavors to meld together. - Cook the Rice:
Once the mixture is boiling, stir in the uncooked rice. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Check the rice around the 18-minute mark to ensure it’s cooking evenly and adjust the heat if necessary. - Serve:
Serve the dish immediately with your favorite taco-inspired toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the liquid if needed.
- Spiciness: For a spicier dish, consider adding extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier Rotel.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with black beans or tofu and add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.