Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

If comfort food had a spicy, cheesy, one-pan superhero, it would be Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice. This dish is an absolute weeknight marvel: tender bites of seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a bold, creamy queso all come together seamlessly with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Every forkful has just the right balance of savory, cheesy richness balanced with a touch of spice courtesy of Rotel. The beauty is in its simplicity, and how easily it pulls a crowd together at the table for a meal that feels like a treat but is actually a snap to make. If you love creamy Tex-Mex flavors, this might be your new favorite go-to recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of staple ingredients can turn into such an irresistible dish. Each item does serious flavor work, and they all join forces to give Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice its signature creaminess, heartiness, and little zing. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few friendly tips to make it extra special:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cube it into bite-size pieces so every forkful is perfectly tender and easy to eat.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful golden sear and a subtle depth of flavor.
• Garlic powder: For that savory, allium warmth that infuses everything.
• Onion powder: A pantry MVP—adds great background flavor without chopping or tears!
• Cumin: Earthy, smoky, a total must for Tex-Mex flair.
• Kosher salt: Brings out the best in the chicken and lifts all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Just enough bite to balance the creamy queso sauce.
• Chicken broth: The liquid gold that cooks the rice and keeps things moist and savory.
• Nacho cheese sauce: The creamy, cheesy heart of this dish—grab your favorite canned variety for ease.
• Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies): Adds color, mild heat, and tangy brightness.
• Long-grain white rice (uncooked): Soaks up all that flavor as it cooks and fluffs up beautifully.

How to Make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Chop your boneless, skinless chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces—aim for about one-inch cubes or strips. This size cooks quickly and ensures that every piece gets evenly coated with flavor and queso later on. Don’t fret about absolute perfection; it’s a rustic dish and your dinner guests won’t notice a few variations in shape.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken with Spices

Grab a large skillet or sauté pan with higher sides so nothing spills during stirring. Warm up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken along with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is completely cooked through and no longer pink. If any extra juices pool in the pan once it’s done, just carefully drain them off—this helps the next steps come together nice and creamy instead of soupy.

Step 3: Add Broth, Queso, and Rotel

Time for the saucy magic! Pour in the chicken broth, then add the can of nacho cheese sauce and the whole can of Rotel (no need to drain it). Stir everything together so the cheese sauce melts into the broth and creates a fragrant, creamy base. Let it come up to a gentle boil—you’ll notice the kitchen instantly smells amazing.

Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer

Once your mixture is bubbling, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Make sure it’s well distributed so every grain gets a shot at those incredible flavors. Reduce the heat to medium-low, pop a lid on the pan, and let it simmer gently for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed into cheesy, dreamy goodness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

As soon as the rice is done, fluff it gently with a fork and serve while hot. Top with your favorite extras like sour cream, pico de gallo or fresh chopped tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices—a little garnish goes a long way in making Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice feel special, even on the busiest weeknight.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Take your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice to the next level by piling on garnishes. Cool, tangy sour cream cuts through the richness, pico de gallo or chopped fresh tomatoes bring a pop of freshness, and creamy avocado slices add color plus a little luxury. Chopped cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños are great if you want a fresh or spicy touch. Don’t be afraid to set up a garnish station so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it!

Side Dishes

This dish totally stands on its own, but it also loves a few easy sides. Try serving it with crisp tortilla chips, a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, or even roasted corn for some extra crunch and sweetness. If you’re feeding a crowd, bowls of black beans or grilled veggies round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice into bell pepper halves and bake them for cute, edible bowls. Or try spooning it into tortillas and rolling them up for hearty burritos. You can even stuff it into avocados for a low-carb option that looks super impressive at potlucks or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (and that’s a big “if”!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice will keep nicely in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors meld overnight, which makes leftovers especially crave-worthy for quick lunches or busy nights.

Freezing

Want to freeze some for another time? Just let the dish cool completely before spooning portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It stays delicious in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the rice and queso blend back together smoothly.

Reheating

Reheat Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little water if the rice seems dry. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring often to keep it creamy and evenly heated. Don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. If you go this route, add more liquid and increase the simmer time by about 15–20 minutes, checking for doneness and adding more broth as needed.

Is Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice spicy?

The level of spice depends on the type of Rotel and nacho cheese sauce you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, opt for mild versions; if you like it bold, go for hot varieties or stir in diced jalapeños with the chicken. It’s easily adjustable for all taste buds!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for hearty beans (like black or pinto) and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get all that creamy queso goodness and a protein-packed meal—just skip the sauté step or sauté some bell peppers and onions before adding the liquid ingredients.

What’s the best way to double the recipe?

If you want to feed a crowd, simply double all the ingredients and use your largest, deepest pot or Dutch oven. The cooking time is about the same, but make sure to stir a couple times during simmering so nothing sticks.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Shred about two cups of rotisserie chicken and add it once you stir in the broth, queso, and Rotel (skip sautéing the chicken, since it’s already cooked). It’s a great shortcut for when you’re short on time but want all the flavor of Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough how much joy comes from a bubbling skillet of Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice on the table, ready to scoop and share. It’s one of those magical, low-effort meals that never fails to please a hungry crew. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a laid-back weekend, or a casual get-together, this dish always delivers. Give it a try and watch it become a tried-and-true favorite in your kitchen too!

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