Name: Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel); 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a creamy and cheesy one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, savory rice, and gooey queso, this recipe delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors in under an hour. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when simplicity and comfort are key.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.

Packed with Flavor: Spices like cumin and chili powder, paired with queso and cheddar, create a robust Tex-Mex experience.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or lime for a personal touch.

Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or lime wedges for garnish

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned. Remove and set aside.

Toast the Rice: Using the same skillet, add uncooked rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Combine Ingredients: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to mix well.

Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.

Add the Cheese: Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in queso dip and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.

Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Variations

Spice Level: Use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.

Protein Swap: Try this recipe with ground turkey, beef, or shrimp instead of chicken.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with black beans or diced tofu, and use vegetable broth.

Cheese Choices: Experiment with pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese for different flavor profiles.

Add Veggies: Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach during the final cooking stages for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the dish becomes too thick.

Related Recipes:

ONE POT MEXICAN RICE CASSEROLE

FAQs

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Use mild diced tomatoes without green chilies and opt for a mild queso dip to reduce the heat.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook.

Is there a way to make homemade queso dip?

Absolutely! Melt 1 cup of shredded cheese with 1/4 cup of milk and a dash of garlic powder for a quick homemade queso.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of the rice may change upon freezing. If necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to one month and thaw before reheating.

What’s a good side dish for this meal?

Serve it with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, or a simple green salad to complement the flavors.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe combines creamy, cheesy comfort with bold Tex-Mex spices for a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for busy evenings. Give it a try, and let it become your go-to recipe for effortless weeknight dinners.

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