Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
The Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is a total game changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken mingling with creamy queso, bright diced tomatoes with a hint of green chilies, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one pot. It’s comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist that’s bursting with flavor yet ridiculously simple to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting friends, this dish delivers warmth, creaminess, and a little bit of spice in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is straightforward but super important, as each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From spices that bring the warmth to the creamy queso that ties everything together, you’ll see how simple ingredients create a big impact.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing the chicken, adding a subtle richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and absorb all the delicious seasonings.
- Chili powder: This delivers a gentle heat and earthy flavor that defines the dish.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Brings a mellow sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
- Uncooked long-grain rice: It soaks up all the flavor-packed liquid perfectly and stays fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Essential for cooking the rice and infusing savory notes throughout the dish.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a tangy zest and mild spicy kick for freshness.
- Queso dip: The creamy star of the dish that melts into the rice for that irresistible gooey texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives an extra layer of melted cheesiness both inside the rice and on top.
- Salt and pepper: To balance and enhance all the other wonderful flavors.
- Optional toppings (cilantro, avocado, lime wedges): For a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces that you’ve seasoned well with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook them until they’re beautifully browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step seals in the flavors and creates a savory base for your dish. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Using the same skillet, add your uncooked long-grain rice. Toasting it for 1 to 2 minutes may sound simple but this little trick brings out a nutty flavor, enhancing your dish’s overall depth. Keep stirring so the rice doesn’t burn and gets an even toast.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. This combination builds a rich, flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the rice as it simmers.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Bring your mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute flavors evenly.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Now for the magic moment: stir in the queso dip and half of your shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and silky smooth. This cheesy blend transforms the dish into a creamy, luscious feast that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2 to 3 minutes. This melt-in-your-mouth topping makes every bite richer. Finish with your choice of chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime to add brightness and a fresh contrast to the creamy base.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where this dish truly shines. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness that lightens the richness. Diced avocado offers a creamy, cooling texture that perfectly complements the spice and queso. And don’t forget the lime wedges— a squeeze of citrus instantly wakes up the whole dish with a lively zing.
Side Dishes
This one pot meal is a complete dinner by itself, but pairing it with a simple side salad or some crunchy tortilla chips can elevate the experience. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette gives a refreshing balance, while chips are perfect for scooping up any leftover queso goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe in warm, hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast iron skillets. It’s a wonderful way to impress guests or make family dinner feel special. Alternatively, spoon it over crispy tostadas or use as a filling for burrito bowls for a customizable meal that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen after resting a bit. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep meals ahead. Let it cool, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, comforting dinner fix.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again. You can also add a little extra shredded cheese while reheating for that fresh, melted texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook—about 40 to 45 minutes—so adjust your simmer time accordingly and possibly add a bit more broth as it cooks.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe has a gentle kick from the chili powder and green chilies in the tomatoes. If you prefer mild, reduce the chili powder or omit the green chilies altogether. For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne or jalapenos.
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Simply add it when combining ingredients and reduce cooking time since the chicken is already cooked. This can make the recipe even quicker for busy nights.
What can I substitute for queso dip?
If queso dip isn’t available, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with some salsa, or a blend of melted Velveeta and diced green chilies to get a similar creamy, cheesy consistency.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based queso or creamy cheese alternatives. Replace chicken with sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or beans to keep the hearty texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe enough! It’s one of those rare dishes that feels like a hug in food form, comforting and flavorful yet simple to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a quick, satisfying dinner, this recipe will become a reliable favorite in your rotation. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the amazing comfort and ease of this one pot wonder!
Print
Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy queso, and seasoned rice all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features mild spices, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy touch from diced tomatoes with green chilies, topped with fresh garnishes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Spices
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it well with the residual oil and cook slightly for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine, then add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the queso dip along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix continuously until the cheeses are melted and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Garnish with optional chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or use a spicy queso dip.
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase cook time and liquid accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- If you don’t have queso dip, cream cheese or a blend of melted cheeses can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure to keep the skillet covered during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
