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Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a delicious and comforting dinner that combines tender chicken, creamy nacho cheese, and flavorful rice all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers rich Tex-Mex flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2 large 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

Rice and Sauce

  • 2¼ cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
  • 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them well with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In the same pot, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Stir everything together to combine well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Cook the Rice and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest, still covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
  • Adjust the amount of Rotel or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: queso chicken, one pot dinner, chicken and rice, Tex-Mex recipe, easy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken and rice

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/easy-one-pot-queso-chicken-and-rice-recipe/