Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

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An Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a quick, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, cheesy queso, and seasoned rice all cooked together in a single pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a simple recipe:

Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

  • Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Rice:
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel)
  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • Queso:
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
  • 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, salsa, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

  1. Season and Cook Chicken:
  • Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  1. Cook the Rice:
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the onion and garlic mixture for 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained). Add frozen corn if using. Stir to combine.
  1. Combine Chicken and Rice:
  • Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pot on top of the rice.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  1. Add Queso and Cheese:
  • Once the chicken and rice are cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside temporarily.
  • Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and queso dip into the rice mixture until fully melted and creamy.
  1. Serve:
  • Return the chicken breasts to the pot, placing them on top of the cheesy rice.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you like, such as avocado, salsa, or jalapeños.

Enjoy your Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!

Would you like any tips for customization or additional sides?

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