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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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?