If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, the “One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice” recipe is perfect for you. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful long-grain white rice, and a creamy queso sauce made from nacho cheese and Rotel tomatoes, all cooked together in one pot. The simplicity of the recipe not only ensures minimal cleanup but also delivers a comforting, satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or pico de gallo. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Why One-Pot Meals are Popular
One-pot meals have become a staple in many kitchens due to their unmatched convenience and simplicity. They allow you to cook an entire meal using just one pot, which significantly cuts down on both preparation and cleanup time. This efficiency makes one-pot meals particularly appealing for busy individuals or families who want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. The “One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice” recipe perfectly embodies this trend, offering a flavorful and satisfying dish that fits seamlessly into hectic schedules.
Detailed Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken
For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breast is the preferred choice due to its lean, tender nature, which cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. However, you can easily substitute it with boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey breast for a leaner option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, consider using tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Spices and Seasoning
The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper forms the backbone of the dish’s flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a subtle, savory base, while cumin adds a warm, earthy depth. Kosher salt enhances all the flavors, and black pepper adds a hint of sharpness. These spices are versatile and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences or substituted with alternatives like smoked paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
Rice
Long-grain white rice is used in this recipe because it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce without becoming too sticky. Its grains remain separate, which is ideal for this dish. If you prefer a healthier option, brown rice can be used, though it will require a longer cooking time. Quinoa is another alternative, offering a nuttier flavor and higher protein content, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Cheese Sauce and Rotel
The nacho cheese sauce and Rotel (a blend of tomatoes and green chilies) are what give this dish its creamy, cheesy texture and a bit of a spicy kick. The cheese sauce melts into the rice and chicken, creating a rich, comforting flavor, while the Rotel adds acidity and heat, balancing the richness of the cheese. These ingredients are essential for achieving the dish’s signature taste, but you can customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot Rotel.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the seasonings fully. Season the chicken pieces generously with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed over all the chicken pieces for a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it’s no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is crucial to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. If you notice any excess liquid in the pan from the chicken, drain it off to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Adding Liquids and Rice
After the chicken is fully cooked, stir in 2¼ cups of chicken broth, a can of nacho cheese sauce, and a can of Rotel (including the liquid). Stir everything together to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory base for the dish. Once the mixture is boiling, stir in 1½ cups of uncooked long-grain white rice, ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed throughout the liquid.
Final Cooking Step
After adding the rice, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. It’s important to keep the lid on during this time to trap the steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly. Once the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and the rice to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Serve the dish hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips and Troubleshooting
Avoiding Soggy Rice
To achieve the perfect rice texture, ensure you use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. For long-grain white rice, stick to the recipe’s 2¼ cups of chicken broth for 1½ cups of rice. Keep the lid on while simmering to trap steam, and avoid lifting it until the cooking time is complete. If the rice is still too wet after cooking, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
Customizing the Recipe
To make the dish spicier, consider adding extra diced jalapeños, using hot Rotel, or sprinkling in some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during the cooking process. For a milder version, opt for mild Rotel, reduce the cumin, or substitute the nacho cheese sauce with a milder cheese sauce to tone down the heat.
Substitutions
For a healthier version, substitute brown rice for white rice, keeping in mind it requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. For a vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also replace the nacho cheese sauce with a dairy-free cheese sauce for a vegan-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Toppings
Elevate your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice with a variety of toppings to add extra flavor and texture. Classic choices include a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, fresh pico de gallo for a tangy kick, chopped tomatoes for freshness, and sliced avocado for a rich, buttery contrast. You can also sprinkle on some shredded cheese or chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Side Dishes
Complement this dish with a light and refreshing side salad, perhaps with a citrus vinaigrette, to balance the rich flavors of the queso and chicken. For a more traditional Mexican flair, serve it with a side of chips and salsa, or a simple guacamole. A side of black beans or corn on the cob would also make excellent, hearty additions to this meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa. However, brown rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time, while quinoa may need less liquid.
What can I substitute for Rotel?
If Rotel is unavailable, use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies, or substitute with salsa for a similar flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving, adding a little broth if needed to maintain the consistency.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, use hot Rotel, add chopped jalapeños, or mix in cayenne pepper or red chili flakes during cooking.
Conclusion
The “One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice” recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy queso, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one pot for minimal cleanup. Its straightforward preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while the rich, cheesy flavor ensures it’s a hit with the whole family. This versatile recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste, whether you prefer it spicier, milder, or even vegetarian. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
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One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Description
This “One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice” recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, all in a single pot. The dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner with minimal effort and cleanup.
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
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips (about 1 inch).
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan (with higher sides on it and a lid), over medium high heat, and add the chicken pieces along with the dried seasonings.
Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉.
* If excess liquid is in the pan from cooking the chicken, I recommend draining it from the pan.
1 teaspoon garlic powder,½ teaspoon onion powder,½ teaspoon cumin,½ teaspoon kosher salt,1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil,½ teaspoon black pepper -
Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring to a boil.2¼ cups chicken broth,1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce,1 can (10 oz) Rotel
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Once boiling, stir in the uncooked rice.1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
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Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
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Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
Notes
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. You can adjust the spice level, substitute ingredients for dietary needs, or even add your favorite toppings to make this dish your own. It’s versatile and delicious, making it a go-to option for a variety of tastes.
