Cheesy, flavorful, and the perfect all-in-one meal!
Looking for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with cheesy goodness? This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is an ideal solution! With tender, seasoned chicken, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot, this dish is not only delicious but also a breeze to make. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get started with this super simple, flavorful meal!
What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal that features seared chicken breasts (or thighs), rice, and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce, all cooked in the same pot for ultimate convenience. The chicken is seasoned with Tex-Mex spices and seared to perfection before being simmered with rice and a flavorful queso sauce made with cheese, salsa, and cream. The result is a cheesy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade dinner without the mess of multiple dishes.
Ingredients List for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, flavorful One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Queso Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup jarred queso dip (or more shredded cheese if you don’t have queso dip)
- ½ cup salsa (your favorite kind—mild, medium, or hot)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- ¼ cup diced green chilies (optional, for added flavor)
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Brown rice or quinoa: Swap out the white rice for brown rice or quinoa. Just note that the cooking time will be longer for brown rice.
- Different cheese options: While cheddar works great, you can use Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Colby cheese for extra flavor.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or use a spicier salsa to kick up the heat.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a meatless version.
- Lighten it up: Use low-fat cheese and light sour cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of this dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this easy and delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking later with the rice.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Rice:
- In the same pot, add the rice and stir to coat it in the leftover oil and seasonings. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes, until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this adds flavor!).
- Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pot, on top of the rice.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat, cover the pot, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
3. Make the Queso Sauce:
- While the chicken and rice are cooking, prepare the queso sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, jarred queso dip, salsa, heavy cream, and butter (if using).
- Stir the mixture until the cheese is melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. If you’re adding diced green chilies for extra flavor, stir them in now.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken and rice are done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board.
- Pour the queso sauce over the cooked rice and stir to combine, making sure the rice is fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Slice the chicken breasts and place them on top of the cheesy rice.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra salsa if desired, and serve hot!
How to Cook One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Season and sear the chicken: Golden brown chicken adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Cook the rice: Let the rice simmer in chicken broth while absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Make the queso sauce: Melt cheese, queso dip, and salsa for a creamy, tangy queso sauce.
- Combine and serve: Stir the cheesy queso sauce into the cooked rice and top with sliced chicken for the ultimate one-pot meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be sure not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Burning the rice: Toasting the rice adds flavor, but be careful not to burn it. Keep an eye on the rice as it toasts and stir it frequently.
- Skipping the sauce: The queso sauce is the star of the dish! Don’t skip it, and feel free to adjust the heat by using your favorite salsa.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice dish is hearty and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to make it even more satisfying. Here are some serving ideas:
- Tortilla chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips for scooping up the extra cheesy rice.
- Guacamole or avocado slices: Fresh avocado or guacamole adds a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
- Side salad: A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the dish.
- Mexican street corn: Serve with elote (Mexican street corn) for a perfect Tex-Mex side.
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Here are a few ways to present your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:
- Family-style: Serve the entire dish straight from the pot at the dinner table, letting everyone scoop out their own portions.
- Individual bowls: Spoon the cheesy rice into bowls and top with sliced chicken, extra queso, and fresh cilantro for a satisfying one-bowl meal.
Presentation Ideas for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Garnish with cilantro and salsa: Add a fresh pop of color with chopped cilantro and a spoonful of salsa on top of each serving.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: A dollop of sour cream on each plate adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Serve in a skillet: For a rustic look, serve the chicken and rice straight from a cast-iron skillet at the table.
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- Use jarred queso dip for convenience: Store-bought queso dip melts easily and adds great flavor, but if you prefer, you can make your own homemade queso.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to keep the rice creamy.
- Double the recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd. Double the ingredients and use a larger pot to make enough for leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just skip the searing step and add the shredded chicken to the rice when you add the broth.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely! If using brown rice, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Sear the chicken using the "Sauté" function, then cook the rice and chicken on "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 8-10
minutes. Make the queso sauce separately and stir it in after the rice is done.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, cheesy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked rice in one convenient dish. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Whether you’re serving it as a stand-alone meal or with a few extra toppings and sides, this recipe is guaranteed to please! Give it a try tonight, and you’ll have a new go-to dinner recipe in your rotation!
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Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is a cheesy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy queso sauce come together in one skillet for a hassle-free meal. With just a few ingredients, minimal cleanup, and loads of flavor, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Serve with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, diced)
- Long-grain white rice
- Queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- Chicken broth
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Olive oil
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add uncooked rice, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in queso dip and cooked chicken, mixing everything until the rice is creamy and cheesy.
- (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt for extra cheesiness.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot!
Notes
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicier twist.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- For a lighter option, use brown rice and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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