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One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice : Easy Comfort Food Recipe

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice : Easy Comfort Food Recipe

4.7 from 20 reviews

This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, cheesy queso, and savory rice come together in a single pot for a delicious meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice Mixture:

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 2¼ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup nacho cheese sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Diced avocado
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until chicken is mostly cooked through.
  2. Add the Rice and Rotel: Stir in the uncooked rice and the entire can of Rotel (including juices). Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice slightly and allow flavors to mingle.
  3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
  4. Stir in the Queso: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the nacho cheese sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
  5. Finish with Toppings: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish as desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.
  • You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder and adding more jalapeños if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Queso Chicken and Rice, One Pot Recipe, Comfort Food, Tex-Mex, Easy Dinner