Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas | One Skillet Queso Chicken & Rice
Vibrant, and Indulging Easy Dinner Ideas – This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a Warm and Delightful Dish for All Occasions!
This Queso Chicken and Rice is a flavorful creamy dish prepared in one single pan. It combines tender chicken pieces, long grain white rice, and a cheesy queso sauce. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned. The rice is light and fluffy, and all ingredients are coated in a rich, smooth and creamy queso cheese sauce.
Serve in a bowl, topped with cilantro, sliced avocado, or jalapenos for a vibrant and inviting dish with great flavors, freshness and a bit of heat.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
1-pound chicken breast (deboned and skinless)
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
2 ¼ cups chicken broth
1 can nacho cheese sauce; 1 can Rotel
1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
How to make this One-Pot Queso Chicken & Rice?
Cut the chicken breast into small cubes, pieces or strips.
Choose a large skillet with higher sides and a lid, set it over medium high heat to heat the olive oil. Then add the chicken pieces with the dried seasonings.
Stir from time to time until the chicken is cooked. (at this point if there is any excess liquid, it’s best to drain it).
Add in the nacho cheese sauce, chicken broth and Rotel. Stir well then bring to a boil.
Once it starts boiling, add in the uncooked long grain white rice.
Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. (the rice should be tender and the liquid soaked up)
Enjoy right away with your favorite toppings!
Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas for Family – One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a dish to celebrate joy and comfort gathered around the table with family and loved ones.
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which rice works best for this Queso Chicken and Rice recipe?. You can use long grain white rice or Jasmine rice; they make a great choice for this recipe.
How can I replace long grain white rice?. You can use brown rice if you need whole grains, but keep in mind that it will need more time to cook. If you’re looking for a low carb choice, I recommend cauliflower rice.
What can I use instead of chicken?. You can swap chicken breast for turkey breast if you want to preserve a similar flavor profile. If you want to change things a bit, you can use shrimp instead; it works amazingly well and the added seafood flavor will nicely complement your dish.
Which Queso should I use?. You can either make your own cheese sauce at home or use a store bought one.
Can I keep this rice recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! You can either replace the chicken with Tofu or with vegetables you prefer like spinach, peas, bell peppers, zucchini., black beans and corn.
How can I replace Queso?. You can use Monterey Jack, or Parmesan You can also use a dairy free alternative if that’s what you prefer
What about making it a bit spicy?. To spice up this recipe a notch, you can add chili powder or chopped jalapenos.
How can I store this one-pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe?. I generally use this recipe as a meal prep during a busy week, so I divide it in portions and place in similar size containers. (tightly sealed) Then place in the fridge up to 4 days. It helps me greatly with having a homemade meal ready to go while heading to work. It also helps greatly with portion control; I no longer consume more than needed.
How can I serve this One-Pot Queso Chicken & Rice?
This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice can be served in various ways according to taste and occasion. You can serve it family style in a large casserole and let everyone help themselves or you can serve it in individual bowls garnished to one’s preference.
If you want to change things a bit, you can use this recipe in stuffed peppers and bake them until tender. I assure you that this dish tastes as great as it looks and don’t hesitate to use different color bell peppers.
During a game day night, a Taco night, celebration, or any other casual family or friends’ get-togethers; you can serve this recipe Taco Style. Pair this Queso chicken and rice with a variety of toppings, tortillas, cream, salsa, guacamole and let your guests help themselves filling their tortillas to taste.
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas | One Skillet Queso Chicken & Rice
Ingredients
- 1- pound chicken breast deboned and skinless
- 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
- 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 can nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can Rotel
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into small cubes, pieces or strips.
- Choose a large skillet with higher sides and a lid, set it over medium high heat to heat the olive oil, then add the chicken pieces with the dried seasonings. Stir from time to time until the chicken is cooked (at this point if there is any excess liquid, it’s best to drain it).
- Add in the nacho cheese sauce, chicken broth and Rotel. Stir well then bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add in the uncooked long grain white rice. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 20 to 25 minutes. (the rice should be tender and the liquid soaked up)
- Enjoy right away with your favorite toppings!
