Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy queso cheese, and fluffy rice in one simple pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal clean-up, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again!
A Personal Story Behind My Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed hearty meals that brought us together. One of our favorites was a cheesy rice dish that always made the house smell amazing. This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice is inspired by those cherished memories. Every time I make it, I am reminded of the laughter and warmth shared around the dinner table. It’s a comfort food that not only fills the belly but also the heart.
What Makes This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe Special?
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and flavor. The use of nacho cheese sauce adds a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the spices and chicken. Plus, everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld and making clean-up a breeze. This recipe is also customizable; you can add your favorite toppings to make it even more delicious!
The Full Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips, about 1 inch in size. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. If there’s excess liquid, drain it to keep the dish from becoming watery.
- Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will help blend all the flavors together.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. This step is crucial for perfect rice texture.
- Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado for an added burst of flavor!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile! Consider adding toppings such as shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro to enhance the flavors. You could also serve it with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast. For a healthier twist, try adding some steamed vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the mix as it cooks. Feel free to adjust the spice level by choosing a spicier version of Rotel or adding hot sauce to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure to check the package instructions for timing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be reheated directly from the freezer.
What can I substitute for the nacho cheese sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a homemade cheese sauce made from shredded cheese and milk, or even a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful cheesy chicken and rice skillet for a delicious meal!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 380
- Servings: 4
Easy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet For cooking the dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2.25 cups chicken broth
- 15 oz nacho cheese sauce
- 10 oz Rotel
- 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips, about 1 inch in size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, stirring frequently. Drain any excess liquid if needed.
- Stir in the chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well.
- Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, and sliced avocado.