Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired “one pot queso chicken and rice” delivers comfort and flavor in a single skillet. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fluffy rice combine for a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Grains:
- 1 cup rice
Dairy and Cheese:
- 2 cups queso cheese
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet with olive oil, creating a warm cooking surface over medium flame.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with zesty seasonings, then carefully sear until golden brown and thoroughly cooked throughout, ensuring no pink remains.
- Transfer the perfectly prepared chicken to a temporary plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
- Within the same skillet, gently toast minced garlic until fragrant and aromatic, releasing its delightful essence.
- Introduce uncooked rice to the pan, stirring briefly to coat each grain with the existing flavors and oils.
- Pour in rich chicken broth, allowing the liquid to envelope the rice and create a smooth cooking environment.
- Dollop creamy queso cheese across the surface, gently folding to distribute the melting goodness evenly throughout the mixture.
- Carefully nestle the previously cooked chicken pieces back into the rice and cheese blend.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to low and allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together.
- Cook until rice reaches perfect tenderness and chicken warms completely, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Finish by scattering fresh cilantro leaves over the top for a vibrant, herbal garnish.
- Serve immediately while hot, revealing a comforting one-pot meal bursting with flavor.
Notes
- Experiment with different spice blends like taco seasoning or Cajun mix to create unique flavor profiles for your chicken.
- Swap queso for other melty cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar to suit different taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Easily substitute chicken with shredded turkey, beef, or plant-based protein for a versatile one-pot meal.
- Prepare this dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent rice from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg