Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty meal that combines bold flavors and minimal cleanup, this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect for you. It’s an all-in-one dish that’s loaded with tender chicken, creamy melted queso, and perfectly seasoned rice, all cooked together in one pot. The result? A cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Packed with Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Serve it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!

this Recipe

What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a Tex-Mex inspired dish where tender chicken and fluffy rice are cooked together in one pot with a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. The chicken is seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Finally, everything is topped with melted queso (cheese sauce), making the dish ultra-creamy and irresistible.

The best part? It’s a true one-pot meal, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your family. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and filling without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients List for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious one-pot meal. This recipe serves about 4 people, but you can easily scale it up if needed.

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Ro-Tel, drained)
• ½ cup frozen corn (optional, adds a bit of sweetness and texture)

For the Queso Sauce:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• ¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh lime wedges

Substitutions and Variations

This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is versatile, and you can easily customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts for a juicier result.
• Brown Rice: If you prefer, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and the amount of chicken broth.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Spicy Queso: Add extra jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the queso for an extra spicy kick.
• Taco Seasoning: If you have taco seasoning on hand, you can substitute it for the cumin, chili powder, and paprika in the recipe.

These substitutions make the dish flexible while still maintaining its delicious Tex-Mex flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious one-pot meal? Follow these simple steps to create Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice!

How to Cook One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it's browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice and sauté it for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice and absorb the flavors from the chicken. This step adds extra flavor to the rice.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly spread out in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Pot

Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir in the frozen corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking (if using).

Step 5: Make the Queso Sauce

While the rice and chicken are cooking, make the queso sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream (or milk) over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese (if using), and diced jalapeños. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle the creamy queso sauce over the chicken and rice mixture and gently stir to combine everything. The cheese sauce will coat the chicken and rice, making the dish irresistibly creamy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken when sautéing it in the first step. It will continue to cook with the rice, so browning it is enough.
• Not Stirring the Queso Sauce: When making the queso sauce, be sure to stir it constantly to prevent the cheese from burning or becoming lumpy. Use low heat to keep the sauce smooth.
• Using Too Little Liquid: If you notice the rice isn’t fully cooked but the liquid has evaporated, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the rice cook through without drying out the dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Queso Chicken and Rice is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it.

How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few side dishes to make it even more filling:

• Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for scooping up the cheesy rice and chicken.
• Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a citrusy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the queso.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the dish with roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a nutritious side.

Presentation Ideas for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

• Garnish with Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on each serving adds creaminess and a slight tang.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their dish for added brightness.

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, creamiest queso, shred your own cheese.
• Add Veggies for Texture: Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even black beans for added texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like your dish spicier, add more jalapeños to the queso or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe with brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll need to add about ¼-1/2 cup more broth and increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I use store-bought queso instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought queso dip. Just warm it up and drizzle it over the chicken and rice before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight

container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out.

Q: Can I freeze One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
A: Yes! You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect meal when you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and flavorful with minimal effort. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy queso sauce, this dish is packed with Tex-Mex flavors that the whole family will love. The best part? It all cooks in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. Give this recipe a try tonight, and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

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