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One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful long-grain rice, and melty Velveeta cheese enhanced with spices and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it combines all the flavors and ingredients into one single pot for effortless cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup Long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups Chicken broth, low sodium
  • 10 oz Diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned on all sides, ensuring a nice sear and flavor development.
  2. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, and cumin. Mix everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through, absorbing all the flavors.
  4. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy queso sauce coating the chicken and rice.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the dish stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese sauce to thicken slightly. Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the dish.
  • Velveeta cheese provides a smooth, creamy texture but can be substituted with other melty cheeses if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: One-Pot, Queso Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Velveeta Cheese, Quick Meal, Weeknight Recipe

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/one-pot-queso-chicken-and-rice-recipe/