Name: Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel); 1 cup prepared queso dip; 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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If you’re craving an explosion of creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice will absolutely make your week. Imagine tender bites of chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, robust tomatoes, green chiles, and, of course, a double-helping of velvety cheese all mingling together in one cozy skillet. It’s pure comfort food, ideal for casual family dinners or a fun gathering with friends (and virtually zero cleanup). Pop everything in a pot, let it simmer, and get ready for requests for seconds!

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together simple, familiar ingredients that deliver big, bold flavor. Each one plays a starring role in the taste, texture, or irresistibly cheesy finish that makes Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice so satisfying.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken pieces for flavor right at the start.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender chunks of lean protein that soak up all those Tex-Mex spices.
Chili powder: The cornerstone of Tex-Mex flavor, bringing gentle heat and earthy aroma.
Cumin: Deepens the flavor base with warm, nutty undertones.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and a hint of savoriness without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasonings for a mellow, sweet flavor.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together perfectly.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and balances the other spices.
Long-grain white rice: The foundation that makes this hearty and absorbent, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness as it cooks.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel): Brings color, tang, and a little zing to keep things lively.
Prepared queso dip: The irresistible creamy cheese that makes this dish stand out—no shortcuts here!
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts over the top into gooey perfection for that satisfying cheese pull moment.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens everything up with a fresh, herby lift at the very end.

How to Make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. As soon as the oil shimmers, add in the seasoned chicken. Stir and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s just starting to get a golden brown edge—this is where those flavors start layering in for the Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice magic.

Step 2: Add Rice, Broth, and Tomatoes

Once your chicken looks lovely and browned, pour in the rice, chicken broth, and the whole can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Give it a good stir so the rice is evenly distributed and every grain gets a little flavor bath. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to low, cover, and let it all simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed nearly all the liquid.

Step 3: Stir in the Queso

This is the step that transforms everything into full-fledged comfort food! Take your skillet off the heat, then immediately scoop in the prepared queso dip. Mix gently until it melts into the rice and chicken, giving you creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. You’ll start to notice everything melding together into that signature Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice texture.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Rest

Even more cheese, please! Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the hot mixture. There’s no need to stir—just cover your pot again and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. That’s all it takes for the cheese to melt luxuriously across the top, turning your pot into an oozy, irresistible masterpiece.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

The final touch is a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. The vibrant green flecks perk up the dish visually and add a pop of herbal brightness, officially declaring your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice ready to steal the show at any table!

How to Serve Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Garnishing is about more than just looks—it adds the perfect flavor contrast! Top each steaming bowl with extra chopped cilantro, a few thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of diced jalapeños for a bit more kick. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of creamy avocado also play well with the cheesy, spicy vibe of this dish.

Side Dishes

While the Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a star on its own, it pairs beautifully with a side salad tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette for freshness. You could also serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips (perfect for scooping!) or sweet roasted corn for a fun Tex-Mex feast. Don’t forget ice-cold drinks to balance the savory heat!

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching dinner party twist, spoon the queso chicken and rice into colorful bell pepper halves and bake until tender. Or, serve it dip-style in a large platter with tortilla chips on the side for a casual gathering—everyone can dig in and customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice keep wonderfully in the fridge. Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll taste just as delicious for up to 4 days—making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for later, this dish can absolutely be frozen. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (press out the air for best results), then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for easy reheating.

Reheating

To revive your leftover Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of milk to keep it moist, then heat gently on the stovetop over low or in the microwave, stirring halfway through. The cheese will melt right back into creamy perfection, and it’ll taste nearly as amazing as the night you made it.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes), and you’ll want to add a splash more broth to keep things from getting dry. The flavor is earthier, but just as satisfying.

What’s the best queso dip to use?

Any prepared queso you love will work—store-bought or homemade. Look for one that has a balance of creamy meltiness and spice. White queso, yellow queso, or even spicy varieties all taste incredible!

Can I add extra veggies or protein?

Definitely! Black beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, or even chopped spinach are great mix-ins. For extra protein, toss in some cooked chorizo or ground beef with the chicken for a heartier meal.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s flavorful with a gentle kick from the chili powder and green chiles, but not overly spicy. For more heat, feel free to add hot sauce or diced jalapeños. To keep it milder, use tomatoes without green chiles and cut back on the chili powder.

Can I make this dairy free?

Sure thing! Substitute your favorite dairy-free queso and shredded cheese—there are many great plant-based options available now. The rest of the recipe is already gluten-free and easy to modify.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like the cozy comfort of Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice—especially when sharing it with people you love. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for a weekend, and always open for your own creative twists. Give it a try soon, and watch your whole table light up with smiles (and cheesy spoons)!

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy Tex-Mex inspired one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, creamy queso, and gooey melted cheese. This Queso Chicken and Rice dish is a comforting and satisfying dinner option that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)

For Assembly:

1 cup prepared queso dip
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
Cook the Rice: Stir in rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Combine and Finish: Remove from heat and stir in queso dip until creamy. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt. Garnish with cilantro before serving.