One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

If you’re craving a quick, cheesy, and comforting meal, this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is the answer! It’s a family favorite that’s packed with flavor and so simple to make. Trust me, it will become a go-to dinner in no time.

I love how easy it is to cook everything in one pot. No mess, no fuss—just a delicious, creamy dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something tasty and filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy and Convenient: With everything cooked in one pot, there’s minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Cheesy and Creamy: The addition of nacho cheese sauce creates a luscious, velvety texture that coats the chicken and rice perfectly.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for preparing multiple servings at once, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Customizable: You can tweak the heat level by adjusting the amount of Rotel or adding your favorite spices. Plus, it’s a versatile base that you can modify with additional vegetables or protein.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy sauce and mild flavors make it a hit with children, while the spices provide a slight kick for adults.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal. You can easily double the recipe if you need more.

Difficulty:

This recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, but it also offers room for creativity if you’re an experienced cook looking to experiment with flavors.

Required Kitchen Tools:

To prepare One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, gather these essential tools:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: The large surface area helps cook the chicken and rice evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and preventing sticking as you cook.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately adding the spices.
• Knife: To chop the chicken and any additional ingredients, such as vegetables (optional).

Ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:

The ingredients in this dish come together to create a rich, satisfying meal. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and easy to cook, the chicken takes on all the flavors of the dish while remaining juicy.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding a bit of healthy fat.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These seasonings create a balanced flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
• Cumin: A warm spice that adds depth to the dish.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the base for the rice, giving it a savory depth of flavor.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: The star of the dish, this ingredient brings the creamy, cheesy element to the meal.
• Rotel (Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies): Adds a mild heat and a burst of flavor that complements the cheese and chicken.
• Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: This is the foundation of the meal and absorbs all the rich, cheesy liquid while cooking.

How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to rub the seasoning evenly into the chicken. This step ensures that each bite of chicken is flavorful.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Rice

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and then pour in the uncooked rice. Stir the rice around in the pan for 2-3 minutes. This step helps to lightly toast the rice, which enhances its flavor. You should see the rice turn a light golden color.

Step 4: Add the Broth, Rotel, and Cheese Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in the chicken broth, Rotel, and nacho cheese sauce. Stir everything to combine. The cheese sauce will melt into the broth, creating a creamy and savory liquid for the rice to cook in.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back to the pan. Stir everything together to mix the chicken and rice thoroughly, making sure the cheesy sauce coats everything.

Step 7: Serve

Your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is now ready to serve! Spoon a generous portion onto plates, and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful dish. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavors.

How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

This dish is wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your taste:

• As a Main Course: Simply serve the cheesy chicken and rice as a stand-alone meal. It’s filling enough to be the star of the show.
• Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice also adds a tangy kick that complements the richness of the queso sauce.
• In a Bowl: For a fun twist, layer the chicken and rice in a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado slices, or shredded lettuce. This makes for a satisfying bowl meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
• With Sides: Pair it with a side salad, sautéed vegetables, or even tortilla chips for added crunch. A simple side of roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, would balance out the richness of the dish.

Storing One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, be sure to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring the dish back to its creamy consistency.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra chicken broth or cheese sauce if the dish appears dry after reheating.

Variations for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, toss in some frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers while cooking the rice. These veggies will cook right alongside the rice and add color and flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a can of diced green chilies or some jalapeños to the broth mixture. You could also sprinkle some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Brown Rice: Swap the white rice for brown rice for a healthier, heartier version. Just note that brown rice will require a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make It Keto: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice. This will reduce the carbs while still giving you a similar texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Lean Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using thighs.
• Don’t Skip the Toasting Step: Toasting the rice in the olive oil for a couple of minutes before adding the liquids enhances the flavor and makes the rice more aromatic.
• Simmer on Low Heat: After adding the liquid and returning the chicken to the pan, be sure to simmer on low heat. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors without burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	3g

FAQs & Conclusion

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They add more flavor and moisture, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time by seasoning and cooking the chicken and rice. Store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of chicken broth if needed.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free nacho cheese sauce and check the ingredients of your broth. Most chicken broths are gluten-free, but always double-check the label.

4. Can I freeze One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a bit of chicken broth or water.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can include extra chili powder, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce when you cook the rice. Adjust the amount of Rotel for more or less spice, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a comforting, cheesy meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a great go-to for families and meal prep alike. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to please with its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken. Serve it as-is or top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for an extra touch of freshness. Enjoy!