Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice | Quick Dinner

As a busy working mom, I often scramble to make a tasty dinner on weeknights. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this easy one-pot queso chicken and rice recipe. It’s a Mexican-inspired casserole that’s a lifesaver. It has juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and melty queso cheese, all in one dish ready in about an hour.

This recipe needs only seven simple ingredients. It’s great for nights when you want a comforting meal without the mess of many pots and pans. The mix of spices, salsa, and queso dip makes it spicy and cheesy, loved by all. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, so cleaning up is easy, making it a winner for weeknights.

Why This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Feeding your family on a busy weeknight can be tough. But, this easy one pot queso chicken is a lifesaver. It’s quick, easy to clean up, and loved by all.

Time-Saving Benefits

This dish only needs 10 minutes of your time to prepare. Then, it cooks for about an hour. This means you can do other things while it cooks, and you’ll have a great meal ready soon.

Minimal Cleanup Required

Because it’s made in one pot, cleaning up is easy. No need to wash many dishes. This saves time and energy, making it perfect for busy families.

Family-Friendly Appeal

The mix of tender chicken, savory rice, and creamy queso sauce is a hit with everyone. It has a bold Mexican flavor that kids and adults love. So, everyone at the table will enjoy it.

This easy one pot queso chicken and rice is great for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy to clean, and loved by all. Make your family’s dinner time better with this easy and delicious dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your Mexican-Inspired Dish

Making a real Mexican-inspired dish starts with the right ingredients. For your easy one-pot queso chicken and rice recipe, you’ll need a few key parts. These will help bring out the bold, tex-mex taste:

  • Knorr Mexican Rice: This pre-seasoned rice mix gives your dish a great start. It adds a mix of Mexican spices.
  • Chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water makes the rice richer and more flavorful.
  • Pace Picante Sauce: This tangy, slightly spicy sauce adds a unique Tex-Mex touch to your dish.
  • Taco seasoning: Whether you buy it or make it yourself, taco seasoning brings authentic Mexican flavor to the chicken and rice.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken: Choose chicken thighs or breasts, whichever you like, for a protein-rich meal.
  • Mexican-blend cheese: Shredded Mexican-style cheese, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, melts well into the dish.
  • Queso blanco dip: This creamy, cheesy dip makes your dish even better. It adds a gooey texture.

This recipe is flexible. You can change ingredients to fit your taste, like using different salsa or beans. The important thing is to enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired dishes and Tex-Mex cuisine. This will make a cheesy chicken recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make your one pot meals smoothly, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. Let’s explore the must-haves for your kitchen:

A 13″x9″ baking dish or a 7×11 casserole dish is perfect for this recipe. It gives enough room for the chicken, rice, and other ingredients to mix well.

Measuring Tools

  • Measuring cups for dry ingredients like rice and cheese
  • Measuring spoons for precise measurements of spices, herbs, and other flavorings
  • Liquid measuring cups for accurately pouring broths and sauces

Additional Equipment

  1. A whisk for blending the queso sauce smoothly
  2. Aluminum foil to cover the baking dish during cooking
  3. A meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature

With these tools and equipment, you’ll be ready to make your one pot meals, like the Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, easily and efficiently.

one pot meals

IngredientMeasurement
Olive Oil3 tablespoons
White Rice1 1/2 cups uncooked extra long grain
Chicken Broth2 cups
Chicken Breasts2 cups cooked, diced
Cheddar Cheese2 cups shredded

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Get ready to make a delicious and easy one-pot wonder with this guide for easy one pot queso chicken and. This Mexican-inspired dish is great for busy weeknights. It’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F or 375°F.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with your favorite taco seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. In a large baking dish, mix the rice, chicken broth, salsa, and water until well combined.
  4. Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded Pepper Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Once the chicken and rice are done, drizzle the warmed queso dip over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

The total cooking time for this easy one pot queso chicken and rice recipe is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Serve this flavorful dish with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

Expert Tips for Perfect Rice Consistency

To get fluffy and tender rice, it’s key to get the rice-to-liquid ratio right. Check the package for your rice type to find the perfect mix. Also, cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the steam in, helping the rice cook evenly.

Rice-to-Liquid Ratio

The right ratio of rice to liquid changes with the rice type. For rice dishes, use a 1:2 ratio. This means 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of broth or water. It keeps the rice moist and full of flavor.

Covering Techniques

  1. Cover the dish tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to keep the steam in and prevent drying.
  2. Or, use a tight-fitting lid on your pot for a similar effect.
  3. Keeping the steam inside helps the rice cook evenly and become tender.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Change the cooking time based on the rice type and chicken thickness. For faster cooking, boil the broth first. Then add it to the dish, cooking for 25-30 minutes. This makes the rice cook faster and keeps the chicken juicy.

By using these tips, you’ll make a delicious and perfectly cooked rice dish every time.

Chicken Preparation and Cooking Guidelines

When making your chicken recipes, it’s key to use the right cooking techniques. For this easy queso chicken and rice dish, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts that are no thicker than ½ inch. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Chicken tenderloins might need a bit less time to cook.

To get a tasty caramelized flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan for 5 minutes on each side before baking. This step keeps the meat moist and adds a deep, savory taste. Make sure to cook the chicken until it hits 165°F, as checked with a meat thermometer.

Preparation TipsCooking Guidelines
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
  • Chicken tenderloins may require less cooking time
  1. Optionally sear chicken in a hot pan for 5 minutes per side
  2. Bake chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F

By sticking to these chicken preparation and cooking techniques, your queso chicken and rice bake will be a hit. For more chicken recipe ideas and cooking tips, check out other resources like this easy, healthy sesame chicken recipe.

Customization Options and Flavor Variations

This one-pot Mexican-inspired chicken and rice dish is great because you can make it your own. You can add more spice, change the cheese, or try new seasonings. It’s all about making it fit your taste.

Seasoning Alternatives

Instead of taco seasoning, you can use homemade adobo or your favorite Mexican spices. Mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder for a deep flavor. Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano gives it a fresh taste.

Cheese Combinations

The recipe uses queso and Parmesan cheese. But you can try different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack. For a real Mexican taste, use crumbled cotija or queso fresco.

Heat Level Adjustments

To change the spice level, pick a different salsa. Choose a mild one for kids or a medium or hot one for more heat. Adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper can also increase the spice.

No matter what you choose, this dish will be a hit. It’s a tasty and flexible meal for any weeknight.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Enjoying the delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice doesn’t have to stop when it’s finished. It’s perfect for leftovers, great for meal prep or storing. It’s easy to keep and reheat.

Let the dish cool down first. Then, put it in an airtight container and chill it in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, put it in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Or, reheat it in the microwave, stirring often, until it’s hot and bubbly.

For meal prep, you can prep it the night before and chill it. Then, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This makes a quick, tasty meal on busy weeknights.

Nutritional Information (per serving)Value
Calories686
Calories from Fat342
Total Fat38g (58% DV)
Saturated Fat21g (131% DV)
Cholesterol253mg (84% DV)
Sodium2219mg (96% DV)
Carbohydrates14g (5% DV)
Fiber2g (8% DV)
Sugar9g (10% DV)
Protein68g (136% DV)

With these easy tips, you can enjoy the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice whenever you want. It’s a great meal prep idea or a convenient option for leftovers. Enjoy its flavors and convenience for days.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

Once your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is ready, you can enhance your meal. Top it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or more cheese. These touches can really boost the taste.

For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, pair your dish with sides. Pico de gallo or guacamole add a nice contrast to the cheesy main. A green salad or roasted veggies like green beans or asparagus also work well.

For a full dinner, add black beans, charro beans, or steamed corn. And remember, tortilla chips are great for scooping up every bit of this tasty dish.

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