One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy queso sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with delicious flavors that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just one pot and minimal prep time, you can have dinner ready in under 35 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasoned chicken, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel tomatoes creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Versatile: Customize your toppings with sour cream, avocado, or pico de gallo for added freshness.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess and easier cleanup after meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make the cooking process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or sauté pan: This allows for even cooking of the chicken and rice while providing enough space for ingredients to combine.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces quick and safe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement ensures the perfect balance of flavors in your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice.
Ingredients
To create this delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
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 or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. If there’s excess liquid from cooking, drain it from the pan.
Step 3: Add Liquids
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 long-grain white rice until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 20–25 minutes or 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 flavorful One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Serving One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is all about enhancing its delicious flavors with your favorite toppings. This dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your family’s preferences. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and helps balance the spices.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh pico de gallo brings a burst of freshness with its tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Chopped Avocado – Creamy avocado slices enhance the flavor and provide healthy fats.
- Shredded Cheese – Melted cheese on top makes every bite even more indulgent.
- Chopped Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and enhances the dish’s aroma.
Accompaniments
- Tortilla Chips – Serve with crispy chips for added crunch and a fun way to scoop up the dish.
- Lime Wedges – Fresh lime juice squeezed over the top brightens the flavors and adds zest.
How to Perfect One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To ensure your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will make your cooking process smoother and your dish even more flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and high-quality cheese sauce will enhance overall taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you prefer more heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy nacho cheese sauce.
- Cook Rice Thoroughly – Ensure that the rice is fully cooked by checking it towards the end of the cooking time.
- Let It Rest – After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld together.
- Experiment with Toppings – Personalize your dish each time by trying different toppings for variety.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A vibrant salad made with corn, lime, chili powder, and cheese that adds sweetness.
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides a rich contrast to the cheesy chicken and rice.
- Refried Beans – Smooth refried beans add protein and make for a hearty addition to your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Add an extra layer of flavor by serving with zesty lime-infused rice.
- Grilled Vegetables – Colorful grilled veggies bring freshness and crunch alongside this comforting meal.
- Spicy Black Bean Soup – A warm bowl of black bean soup complements the main dish with its spiciness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland results. Ensure you season well with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Using too much liquid: Adding too much chicken broth can result in soggy rice. Stick to the recipe measurements for the best texture.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking on high heat can burn the bottom of the dish. Keep it at medium-high until boiling, then lower it to medium-low.
- Not covering while cooking: Leaving the pot uncovered while cooking can let steam escape, resulting in undercooked rice. Always cover with a lid during simmering.
- Ignoring resting time: Skipping the resting time after cooking can affect flavor absorption. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for better taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It lasts for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth if needed and heat until warm, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice that might help you.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly.
How do I make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes for an extra kick!
What toppings go well with One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
Consider sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado for delicious toppings.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just add it when you stir in the cheese sauce and tomatoes to heat through without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying. Try it today!
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich queso sauce—all made in one pot! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, delivering mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up. Top it off with fresh ingredients like sour cream or avocado for an extra burst of flavor. Get ready to impress your family with this quick, easy, and utterly delightful dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- 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 diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add chicken and seasonings; cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Stir in chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel; bring to a boil.
- Add rice to the mixture and stir well until combined.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
