Description
This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty Velveeta cheese with zesty diced tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe features a blend of chili powder and cumin to add a warm, smoky flavor that complements the cheesy richness. Cooked all in one pot, it’s both simple and satisfying with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1.5 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Long-grain rice (uncooked)
Liquids
- 2 cups Low sodium chicken broth
Cheese and Vegetables
- 10 oz Diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Spices and Oils
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and set aside all other ingredients within reach.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until browned on all sides, which enhances the flavor and seals in the juices.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, low sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, and cumin. Mix everything together well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy and smooth queso sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit covered for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If Velveeta is unavailable, substitute with a processed cheese that melts smoothly, or use a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for a similar texture.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
- This dish can be adapted to use brown rice but will require longer cooking time and more liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: one pot, queso chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, cheesy chicken, Tex-Mex, weeknight meal, comfort food
