Name: Rotel Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil; 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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If you’re searching for a weeknight side dish that delivers a punch of flavor with barely any fuss, Rotel Rice is about to become your new best friend. With every spoonful, you get fluffy grains infused with savory chicken broth, a gentle kick from the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, and just enough warmth from pantry spices to make it irresistible. It’s speedy, satisfying, and honestly the kind of dish everyone asks for the recipe after the first bite. Whether paired with smoky grilled meats or scooped right out of the pot as a midnight snack, Rotel Rice never lets you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Rotel Rice is just how streamlined the ingredient list is. Each item packs a punch, providing color, gentle heat, and savory goodness that truly transforms simple rice into something you’ll crave over and over again.

Long-grain white rice: The foundation of the dish—each grain stays separate and perfectly fluffy after cooking.
Butter or vegetable oil: Adds a mellow richness and helps toast the rice for even more flavor.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained): These bring both the vibrant Tex-Mex personality and a subtle, lively heat.
Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water gives the rice deeper, savory layers that plain water can’t touch.
Garlic powder: Offers a gentle, aromatic backbone that weaves through every bite.
Onion powder: Balances the flavors and rounds out the overall taste.
Salt: Essential for making every flavor pop (taste as you go if your broth is salty).
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the other spices.
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): This finishing touch adds brightness and a burst of green freshness—don’t skip if you love a herby finish.

How to Make Rotel Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Start by melting butter or heating oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the raw rice and keep it moving for 2 to 3 minutes. As the rice toasts, you’ll notice a nutty aroma and the grains will begin to turn golden. This simple step unlocks big flavor and keeps your rice light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters

Once your rice smells heavenly, pour in the whole can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (juice included!), chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, making sure the spices are evenly distributed and nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Simmer and Steam

Bring the mixture to a boil, then quickly turn the heat down to low. Cover the saucepan tightly and let the Rotel Rice gently simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all those delicious flavors and cook to tender perfection.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Once most of the liquid has disappeared and the rice looks plump, remove the pan from the heat. Keep the lid on and let everything rest for 5 minutes—this extra steam time ensures every grain is perfectly cooked. Finally, remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and if you like, add a flurry of chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Serve Rotel Rice

Garnishes

A squeeze of fresh lime brings a sunshiny brightness to your Rotel Rice, highlighting the chilies and tomatoes. For a creamy finish, sprinkle on some crumbled queso fresco or a dollop of sour cream, or scatter more chopped cilantro for that fresh, herby contrast.

Side Dishes

Rotel Rice is the ultimate Tex-Mex partner: serve it alongside sizzling grilled chicken, tacos, enchiladas, or even a hearty bowl of chili. It also stands up beautifully next to roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this side into a show-stopping base for a burrito bowl, or stuff it into bell peppers with black beans and cheese for an easy baked dinner. You can even use leftover Rotel Rice tucked into a wrap or breakfast burrito for a sneaky morning upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Rotel Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches all week long.

Freezing

If you want to have Rotel Rice ready at a moment’s notice, freezing is your friend. Spoon cooled rice into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s ready to reheat whenever you need it.

Reheating

For the best texture, sprinkle a splash of broth or water over the rice before reheating in the microwave or on the stove. This restores moisture, keeps the grains fluffy, and revives all those gorgeous Tex-Mex flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Rotel Rice with brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice needs a longer cooking time and a bit more liquid. Simply add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and simmer until the rice is tender, usually about 35 to 40 minutes.

How spicy is Rotel Rice?

The dish has a mild heat, thanks to the green chilies in the Rotel tomatoes. For more spice, use the “hot” style Rotel or stir in diced jalapeños. For less, go with the “mild” variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?

Rotel Rice is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth—easy and just as delicious!

What are some fun add-ins to change up Rotel Rice?

Try mixing in cooked corn, black beans, shredded cheese, or sautéed bell peppers for even more color and flavor. You can even stir in cooked chicken for a one-pot meal.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a large pot and keep the same cooking steps. Be sure to fluff the rice well at the end so every serving gets that wonderful texture.

Final Thoughts

Rotel Rice is one of those rare recipes that’s as perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner as it is for a festive Tex-Mex feast. If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope you give it a go—the simple ingredients and bold flavors will win you over, bite after bite!

Rotel Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Rotel Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make Tex-Mex side dish that combines long-grain white rice with zesty Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. This dish is a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
1 3/4 cups chicken broth

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Toasting the Rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the oil. Add the rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Adding Ingredients: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Resting and Serving: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.