Name: Creamy Chicken and Saffron Yellow Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast; 1 tsp adobo seasoning; 2 tsp olive oil; 10 oz saffron yellow rice; 1 cube tomato bouillon; 2½ cups water; 3 oz white queso; 2 tbsp milk; Cooking spray

Introduction

This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with fragrant saffron yellow rice and creamy white queso for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together easily. Enjoy the rich tastes and colorful presentation.

A close-up view of a dark round bowl filled with a layered dish starting with an orange, slightly moist rice base mixed with small pieces of red tomato. On top, there are creamy chunks of cooked chicken with a golden melted cheese layer that covers some of the chicken and rice, dotted with small green pieces of what looks like avocado or green pepper. Small fresh green herb leaves are sprinkled evenly over the dish, adding a fresh contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 oz white queso
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp milk
1.5 lbs chicken breast
1 tsp adobo seasoning
10 oz saffron yellow rice
1 cube tomato bouillon
2½ cups water
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with the adobo seasoning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and slice or dice as desired.
Step 3: In a separate pot, bring the 2½ cups of water to a boil. Add the tomato bouillon cube and stir until dissolved.
Step 4: Add the saffron yellow rice to the boiling broth, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: While the rice cooks, combine the white queso and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Lightly coat a serving dish with cooking spray. Layer the saffron rice, then the cooked chicken, and drizzle the melted queso over the top.
Step 7: Serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful Mexican-style chicken and rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and garlic before seasoning with adobo.
Substitute white queso with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese twist.
Add sautéed peppers and onions to the rice for more color and texture.
Use low-sodium bouillon to control salt levels.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the chicken. If needed, add a splash of milk or water when reheating the cheese sauce to keep it creamy.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with orange rice mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper. On top, there is a layer of creamy melted yellow cheese covering chunks of cooked white chicken breast and bits of green vegetables. Small chopped green herbs garnish the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the rice, chicken, and cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute saffron yellow rice with basmati or jasmine rice, but cooking times and liquid amounts may vary.

Is adobo seasoning very spicy?

Adobo seasoning typically has a mild to moderate spice level with smoky and savory flavors, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Creamy Chicken and Saffron Yellow Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This vibrant Mexican-inspired recipe features tender, adobo-seasoned chicken breast served alongside flavorful saffron yellow rice cooked with tomato bouillon for an authentic and comforting meal. The dish is enhanced with creamy white queso and a hint of olive oil for richness, making it a balanced and satisfying entrée.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1.5 lbs chicken breast
1 tsp adobo seasoning
2 tsp olive oil

Saffron Yellow Rice

10 oz saffron yellow rice
1 cube tomato bouillon
2½ cups water

Cheese Sauce

3 oz white queso
2 tbsp milk

Additional

Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Rub the chicken evenly with 1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning to infuse flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray the skillet lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
Prepare the Saffron Yellow Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2½ cups of water to a boil. Add the saffron yellow rice and the tomato bouillon cube. Stir well until the bouillon cube dissolves. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Make the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the 3 oz of white queso with 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Plate and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on plates. Serve alongside a generous scoop of saffron yellow rice. Drizzle the warm white queso sauce over the chicken or serve on the side as a dip. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican meal!

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Adjust the adobo seasoning quantity based on desired spice level.
Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative to lighten the queso sauce if preferred.
Ensure the rice is fully cooked and water absorbed before serving for best texture.
Cooking times may vary depending on stove and pan type.

Keywords: Mexican chicken, saffron rice, adobo chicken, white queso, easy Mexican dinner