One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice into a satisfying meal prepared in just one pot. This recipe stands out for its simplicity and rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a dish to impress guests, this one pot wonder is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep time and clean-up since everything cooks in one pot.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of nacho cheese sauce and Rotel tomatoes creates a creamy, zesty flavor everyone will love.
- Versatile Meal: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or even jalapeños.
- Family-Friendly: The comforting flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners.
- Quick Cooking Time: With just 33 minutes from start to finish, it’s an excellent option for busy nights.
Tools and Preparation
To create the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or sauté pan: A spacious pan allows for even cooking of the chicken and rice without overcrowding.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your dish.
Ingredients
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice requires the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips (about 1 inch).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Cook the chicken while stirring frequently until it reaches an internal temperature of 165℉. If there’s excess liquid in the pan after cooking, drain it.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Add Rice
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice.
Step 5: Cook Covered
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
Cook for 20–25 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or sliced avocado. Enjoy your flavorful One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a deliciously creamy dish that pairs well with various toppings and sides. Adding your favorite garnishes can elevate the meal, making it even more enjoyable for family dinners or gatherings.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
- Chopped Avocado – Fresh avocado slices enhance the dish with a buttery flavor.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa brings brightness and crunch, complementing the creamy queso.
- Shredded Cheese – Extra cheese on top creates an indulgent, melty layer that cheese lovers will adore.
Sides
- Cornbread – A slice of cornbread adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and rice.
- Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the main dish.
- Guacamole – Serve guacamole on the side for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Drinks
- Lemonade – The tartness of lemonade cuts through the richness of the queso, making it a great beverage choice.
- Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea provides a classic accompaniment to this hearty meal.
How to Perfect One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To ensure your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and quality broth enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Adjust Seasonings – Feel free to tweak seasonings like cumin or pepper according to your taste preferences for a custom kick.
- Avoid Overcooking Rice – Keep an eye on rice while cooking; it should be tender but not mushy for optimal texture.
- Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking helps all flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Pairing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them an excellent match for this dish.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled veggies bring color, nutrition, and a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the queso.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – This flavorful corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun textural element; serve them alongside for dipping into any leftover queso sauce.
- Spanish Rice – A side of Spanish rice can enhance the overall flavor profile while sticking to similar textures.
- Baked Plantains – Sweet baked plantains offer a delightful contrast to savory dishes like queso chicken and rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that could ruin your dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- Using the wrong rice: Substituting long-grain white rice with other types can change the texture. Stick to uncooked long-grain white rice for the best results.
- Not covering while cooking: Leaving the pot uncovered while cooking will let steam escape, resulting in undercooked rice. Always cover with a lid when simmering.
- Ignoring liquid measurements: Adding too much or too little chicken broth can affect cooking time and texture. Measure precisely to ensure perfect absorption.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Place in freezer-safe containers.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious dish.
What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a flavorful dish made with seasoned chicken, rice, and a creamy queso sauce, all cooked together in one pot.
Can I customize One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
Yes! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes for a kick of heat.
Is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice healthy?
This dish offers a balance of protein from chicken and carbohydrates from rice. However, it is important to monitor portion sizes due to the cheese sauce’s richness.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor that everyone loves. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a deliciously creamy dish that combines tender chicken, rich queso sauce, and fluffy rice, all cooked in a single pot for an effortless meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe showcases a zesty flavor profile thanks to the combination of nacho cheese sauce and Rotel tomatoes. With just 33 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal choice when you want to whip up something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this comforting favorite with your favorite toppings for a meal that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and seasonings; cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Stir in chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel; bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked rice; stir well.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; cook for 20-25 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Serve hot with preferred toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
