Description
Hearty Mexican-inspired one pot queso chicken and rice delivers comfort in a single skillet. Cheese-laden goodness combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bold spices that satisfy hunger with authentic southwestern flair you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm a spacious pot over medium heat, drizzling olive oil across the surface.
- Sear chicken pieces, coating thoroughly with salt, pepper, and zesty taco seasoning until golden brown and caramelized edges develop.
- Incorporate finely chopped onion and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in uncooked rice, rich chicken broth, and tangy diced tomatoes with green chiles, stirring ingredients to create a harmonious mixture.
- Allow liquid to reach a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer quietly for approximately 20 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become perfectly tender.
- Remove lid and generously fold shredded cheese into the hot mixture, stirring until a luxurious, creamy consistency emerges.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the surface for a burst of bright, herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while the queso chicken and rice remain warm and inviting.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or black beans to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and a more nutritious meal with a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Dial down the spice by selecting mild taco seasoning or reducing the amount for sensitive palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and make the process smoother, especially when you’re short on time or cooking for a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg