Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and easy dinner that you can make in just one pot? This Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect answer! With tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy queso cheese sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is a complete meal on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or some tortilla chips for an extra treat.

In under 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dinner that’s packed with Tex-Mex flavors, including cheese, tomatoes, and spices.

this Recipe

What is Queso Chicken and Rice?

Queso Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal where chicken is cooked with seasoned rice and then smothered in a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. The dish combines the richness of queso dip with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that's both hearty and indulgent. It's like your favorite Tex-Mex queso dip combined with chicken and rice for a satisfying dinner that will become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients List for Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Queso Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• ½ cup salsa con queso (store-bought queso dip)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Tortilla chips for serving

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize this One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, or swap the chicken for ground turkey, beef, or even shrimp.
• Rice: For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice, but note that brown rice will take longer to cook. You can also use quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
• Cheese: Use your favorite melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese and queso dip. Replace the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

These variations let you personalize the recipe while keeping the creamy, cheesy flavors that make this dish irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice in no time!

1. Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides (it doesn't need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking with the rice). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Cook the Rice

In the same pot, add the uncooked rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently. Toasting the rice gives it a deeper flavor. Then, add the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.

4. Add the Chicken Back and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot, stirring it into the rice mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, and the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Make the Queso Sauce

While the chicken and rice are cooking, prepare the queso sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and salsa con queso, and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If you want the sauce to be thicker, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the queso sauce. Let it cook for another minute until thickened.

6. Add the Queso Sauce to the Chicken and Rice

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and pour the queso sauce over the chicken and rice. Gently stir everything together until the chicken and rice are coated in the creamy queso sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the queso chicken and rice with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and any other toppings you like, such as green onions or sour cream. Serve hot, with tortilla chips on the side for scooping.

How to Cook Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to make One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:

1. Season Chicken: Toss the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear Chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until browned, then set aside.
3. Cook Rice: Toast the rice, then add chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Add the chicken back to the pot and simmer until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
5. Make Queso Sauce: Melt cheddar cheese and salsa con queso in simmering heavy cream, whisking until smooth and creamy.
6. Combine: Stir the queso sauce into the chicken and rice mixture until fully combined.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or your favorite toppings, and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Sear the chicken just until browned, not fully cooked, as it will continue to cook while simmering with the rice.
2. Not Toasting the Rice: Don’t skip the step of toasting the rice—it adds depth to the flavor and keeps the rice from becoming mushy.
3. Not Stirring the Cheese Sauce: Stir the queso sauce constantly while it’s melting to prevent it from curdling or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Using Too Much Liquid: Make sure to measure the chicken broth carefully. Too much liquid will make the rice too mushy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice for a delicious, visually appealing meal:

How to Serve One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• With Tortilla Chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the rich, creamy dish with a light, refreshing salad to balance the flavors.
• In Bowls: Serve individual portions in bowls with extra queso sauce drizzled on top for an indulgent presentation.

Presentation Ideas for One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, and sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
• Top with Crunch: Crush some tortilla chips or add crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of texture.
• Family-Style: Serve the dish family-style in the same pot it was cooked in for a rustic and cozy presentation.

Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the smoothest queso sauce, shred the cheese yourself from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which can have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and jalapeños according to your spice tolerance, or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the chicken and queso sauce ahead of time, then combine everything and cook just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the simmering time to 30-35 minutes, and add more broth if needed to fully cook the rice.

Q: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free milk like coconut or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice mixture (without the queso sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and then add the queso sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe combines all the flavors you love—creamy queso, tender chicken, and flavorful rice—into one easy-to-make meal. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this dish has you covered. With just one pot and simple ingredients, you can enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of queso chicken and rice in under 30 minutes. Give this recipe a try—you’re sure to love it!

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