Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s full of flavor and comes together in one pot? Look no further! This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you just want a satisfying, hearty dish without the hassle of multiple pans. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and rice, this meal will quickly become a family favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering recipe and discover tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid!
What is One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with fluffy rice, all simmered together in a flavorful, queso-infused sauce. It’s an ideal recipe for those who crave a cheesy, Mexican-inspired meal without the complexity of multiple steps. The best part? It all comes together in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup afterward! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or even a cozy weekend meal, this dish is guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
Ingredients List for One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious and easy dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, depending on your preference)
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
Whether you have dietary preferences or want to mix things up, here are a few substitutions and variations you can make to customize your One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:
- Chicken: Swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—just add it toward the end to heat through.
- Rice: Prefer brown rice or a different grain? While white rice cooks quicker, you can substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa—just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.
- Salsa: Use a smoky chipotle salsa, green tomatillo salsa, or even a homemade salsa to switch up the flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and use black beans, pinto beans, or even a meat substitute like tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for more texture and nutrition.
- Queso Dip: If you want to make your own queso, combine shredded cheese with heavy cream and a bit of diced jalapeños in a saucepan until melted and creamy.
These substitutions allow you to personalize the dish according to your taste and dietary preferences!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary and toss in the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice, Broth, and Salsa: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the can of green chilies (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces back to the pot, making sure they are nestled into the rice mixture.
- Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let everything cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to check occasionally and stir to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the Queso: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the queso dip until it’s well-combined and creamy. This will give the dish its signature cheesy flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the dish, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt for 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step! It helps lock in juices and enhances the texture.
- Overcooking the Rice: Be sure to keep an eye on the rice and avoid overcooking it, which can result in a mushy texture. Check the rice at around the 20-minute mark to ensure it’s tender but not overly soft.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Since rice absorbs a lot of liquid during cooking, make sure you measure out the broth properly. If you find the dish drying out too much before the rice is done, you can add a little extra broth or water.
- Not Stirring Occasionally: Stir the pot every now and then to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. Sticking can result in burnt spots or uneven cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving a dish like One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice! Here are some ideas to make your dish look as good as it tastes:
How to Serve One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Family Style: Serve it straight from the pot! Place the pot in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in. This is perfect for casual dinners.
- Individual Bowls: Scoop portions into individual bowls and top with extra queso, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant finish.
- Taco Style: Serve this dish as a filling for soft tortillas to create cheesy chicken and rice tacos. Add some avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh salsa to complete the meal.
Presentation Ideas for One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Colorful Toppings: Garnish with colorful toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or even a few jalapeño slices for a pop of color and flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Lime wedges not only brighten the dish but also serve as a beautiful garnish on the side of each plate.
- Cheese Drizzle: After plating, drizzle a bit more warm queso over each serving for an extra-cheesy, mouthwatering presentation.
One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- Make It Spicy: For those who love heat, add a chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder to the mix for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the leftovers, too! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- More Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to add extra queso dip or shredded cheese into the dish. The cheesier, the better!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or even a pepper jack for added spice.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well for a day or two, so you can make it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Make sure to stir occasionally and use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the rice from sticking or burning.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the queso dip with a dairy-free cheese sauce and use a plant-based shredded cheese on top.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is a fantastic go-to meal that combines rich, cheesy flavors with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you're cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, this dish will be a hit. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time. Try out different variations and don’t forget to serve it with a smile—and maybe an extra drizzle of queso!
Looking for more delicious recipes? Stay tuned for more one-pot wonders and simple meal ideas that are sure to impress!
PrintEasy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy queso sauce in a single pan. Packed with flavor and simple to make, this cheesy, hearty meal is ideal for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer.
- Place the chicken breasts back into the pot, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is done.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the chicken and stir in the queso dip and diced tomatoes with green chilies until well combined.
- Top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese and return the chicken to the pot. Cover and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy queso or add jalapeños.
- You can substitute brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
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