Are you looking for a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe! This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy queso cheese into a single pot for minimal clean-up and maximum flavor. Keep reading to learn how to make this delectable dish, plus tips on ingredient substitutions, common mistakes to avoid, and more!
What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a simple and flavorful dish where all ingredients are cooked together in one pot for a convenient, fuss-free meal. The chicken is seared to perfection, the rice absorbs all the rich, cheesy flavors, and the dish is topped with a creamy queso sauce. It's a perfect combination of protein, carbs, and cheesy goodness, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner.
Ingredients List for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To make this tasty and easy recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup queso blanco or any mild, melty cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work well too)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Ingredients List for the Queso Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (preferably queso blanco, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Jalapeños (optional for extra spice)
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned one-pot meal that's sure to please!
Substitutions and Variations
If you're out of an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations:
- Chicken: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs or even use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Rice: If you prefer brown rice, you can use it, but keep in mind it will require longer cooking time and additional broth.
- Queso Sauce: For a spicier queso sauce, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, black beans, or even spinach to give the dish extra texture and nutrition.
- Cheese: If queso blanco isn't available, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend will work just as well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe comes together in just a few easy steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions, bell peppers (if using), and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Rice and Tomatoes: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
- Make the Queso Sauce: While the chicken and rice are cooking, prepare the queso sauce in a separate small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Once the chicken and rice are done, remove the chicken from the pot. Pour the queso sauce over the rice, stirring to combine.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the chicken and return it to the pot. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the queso sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
How to Cook One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Searing the Chicken: This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a nice, crispy exterior. Use medium-high heat and let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop that golden-brown crust.
- Cooking the Rice: Make sure to rinse your rice before adding it to the pot. This helps remove excess starch and ensures the rice cooks up fluffy and light.
- Simmering Time: Keep the pot covered while the rice and chicken cook to trap the steam and ensure even cooking. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often!
- Making the Queso Sauce: To avoid a grainy queso sauce, make sure to whisk the flour and butter thoroughly, and add the milk slowly while continuing to whisk. Use low heat when melting the cheese to prevent separation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken during the searing stage. It will continue cooking as it simmers with the rice, so searing until just golden brown is enough.
- Burning the Rice: Avoid cooking the rice over high heat, as it can burn on the bottom of the pot. Keep the heat low, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Lumpy Queso Sauce: Whisk the flour and butter thoroughly when making the roux, and add the milk gradually to prevent lumps in your queso sauce.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Taste as you go! Don’t forget to adjust salt, pepper, and spices to your liking throughout the cooking process.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key, especially when serving this flavorful dish to guests. Here are a few tips to elevate your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:
- Garnish Generously: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, fresh lime wedges, and a few slices of jalapeño on top for added color and flavor.
- Serve Family-Style: Place the pot directly on the table for a fun, family-style meal. Just make sure to use a trivet to protect your table from the hot pot.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate each serving with a garnish of cilantro and a drizzle of queso sauce over the top.
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the extra cheesy rice.
- Sliced Avocado: The creaminess of avocado balances the richness of the queso and adds a refreshing touch.
- Mexican Street Corn: Elote (Mexican street corn) makes an excellent side dish with its tangy, spicy flavors.
- Salad: A light green salad with a lime vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the queso.
Presentation Ideas for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
For a more visually appealing presentation:
- Serve the chicken sliced or shredded on top of the rice instead of mixed in for a more elegant look.
- Use a cast iron skillet for cooking and serving—it adds a rustic charm to the dish.
- Drizzle extra queso sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- Prep in Advance: You can chop the vegetables and prepare the queso sauce ahead of time, making dinner even faster to prepare.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can skip the searing step and stir it in at the end with the queso sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder, cumin, or diced jalapeños.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be aware that the rice may absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more broth.
Q: What can I use instead of queso blanco?
A: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or any mild melting cheese will work perfectly as a substitute for queso blanco.
Q: Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can! Sear the chicken on the sauté setting, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure, add the queso sauce, and you’re done!
Conclusion
This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal with minimal clean-up. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy rice, and creamy queso sauce is sure to be a hit with the whole family. With customizable ingredients and helpful tips, you'll have this dish on the table in no time. Try it tonight, and enjoy the deliciousness of a one-pot meal that's both hearty and comforting!
PrintEasy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe
This easy one-pot queso chicken and rice recipe is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, melted queso, and seasoned rice all cooked in one pot, it's simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of creamy cheese and savory chicken makes this dish a family favorite. Great for anyone looking for a hassle-free dinner option with minimal cleanup!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Long-grain rice
- Queso cheese
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Onion
- Green chilies
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with spices and sear on both sides until golden, then remove from the pot.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and green chilies in the same pot.
- Add rice, stir to coat, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the pot, cover, and let simmer until rice is cooked through.
- Stir in queso cheese and cook until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Use any type of queso dip you prefer for the cheese.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Adjust spice levels to taste by increasing or reducing the chili powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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