Name: Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2¼ cups chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel; 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that practically cooks itself and tastes like a fiesta on a fork, Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero! This dish delivers juicy bites of chicken, fluffy rice simmered in seasoned broth, and a glorious, creamy nacho cheese sauce, all effortlessly mingling together in just one pot. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll love how each spoonful bursts with bold, cheesy flavor and a touch of spice from Rotel. It’s truly comfort food made easy, and cleanup is as simple as the recipe itself.

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You hardly need a crowded grocery list for this recipe! Each ingredient plays a starring role, combining to create that signature creaminess and zesty kick that makes Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice so crave-worthy. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it’s important.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, chicken breast soaks up the queso and spice, keeping everything lean yet hearty.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Just a drizzle helps brown the chicken and unlock all those savory aromas and flavors from the spices right from the start.
Garlic powder: A pantry staple that brings a punch of garlicky depth without mess or fuss.
Onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the stronger flavors in the dish.
Cumin: This earthy spice gives your meal a subtle smokiness that tastes unmistakably Tex-Mex.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the savory and cheesy flavors, making sure nothing falls flat.
Black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds just the right amount of warmth.
Chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth, not water, creates an extra layer of deliciousness and keeps the rice incredibly moist.
Nacho cheese sauce (canned): This is the magic! It melts into everything, making the rice ultra-creamy and loaded with cheesy bliss.
Rotel (diced tomatoes & green chilies): Adds a touch of tang, mild heat, and those beautiful flecks of color throughout the dish.
Long-grain white rice: It cooks up perfectly fluffy and absorbs all the flavor from the cheese and spices—key for that stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction.

How to Make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep and Cut the Chicken

Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly-sized, bite-sized pieces or thin strips—about one inch is perfect. This lets the chicken cook quickly and evenly, plus every forkful gets plenty of cheesy saucy goodness!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Spices

Heat up a large skillet or sauté pan (be sure it has higher sides and a lid) over medium-high. Pour in the olive oil, then add your chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is just cooked through and hits an internal temp of 165°F. If a lot of liquid collects, go ahead and drain it so your pot doesn’t get watery later—this keeps that classic Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice thickness.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Bring to a Boil

Next, pour in your chicken broth, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and hearty Rotel right into the pan. Give everything a good stir so the cheese melts into the broth, creating a luscious orange (and absolutely mouthwatering) base. Turn up the heat and bring this flavorful mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Once everything is bubbling, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Make sure the grains are submerged for even cooking. Cover the pan with a lid, turn the heat down to medium-low, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will soak up all that cheesy sauce, transform into a fluffy, creamy base, and the chicken will stay tender and savory.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take a peek—if the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is ready! Spoon it into bowls and pile on your favorite taco toppings: a dollop of sour cream, fresh pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, cilantro, maybe even a handful of crushed tortilla chips if you want some crunch.

How to Serve Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Garnishes are the secret to taking your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice from “yum” to “wow!” Try topping each serving with a scoop of sour cream, some diced fresh tomatoes or zesty pico de gallo, creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or even a little extra cheese. Each garnish adds a lovely contrast—think cool, creamy, fresh, or crunchy—to the rich and cheesy rice.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice with simple sides for a true Tex-Mex night at home. A crispy salad of romaine and lime vinaigrette is always refreshing, or serve with grilled corn on the cob for a sweet burst. Warm flour or corn tortillas make perfect scoops for the creamy rice. Chips and guac are never unwelcome, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation doesn’t have to be fussy! Spoon the cheesy rice into taco shells or scoop some onto lettuce leaves for a lighter, hand-held version. For parties, pile mini portions into ramekins and top with all the fixings for a great appetizer. For extra fun, let guests fill their own bowls at a DIY queso-rice bar with assorted toppings and hot sauces. Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is as festive as you want it to be!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they disappear fast at my house), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste fantastic—just as cozy, creamy, and flavorful as when fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice for easy future meals! Cool the dish completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If your rice has thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or even a little milk to loosen it to your ideal creaminess. Heat until piping hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and may need a bit more broth. Expect the rice to take 35 to 40 minutes to fully soften.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! For extra heat, use hot Rotel, add chopped jalapeños, or sprinkle in chili powder when seasoning the chicken. You can also top with hot sauce at the table.

What if I don’t have canned nacho cheese sauce?

You can substitute with a homemade queso or even use shredded cheddar or Monterey jack melted with a splash of milk. The finished texture may change slightly, but it will still deliver that creamy, cheesy flavor.

Can I make Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice in advance?

Definitely! Make it up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always check your canned nacho cheese sauce and broth labels to be certain. Most brands are safe, but some do sneak in flour or thickeners with gluten.

Final Thoughts

If your family loves quick, crowd-pleasing dinners, you truly can’t go wrong with Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice. It’s hearty, loaded with irresistible flavor, and so simple anyone can make it. The next time you need a reliable, fun meal with minimal cleanup, give this recipe a try—you’ll be asked for a repeat before the dishes are even done!

Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and simple dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, creamy nacho cheese sauce, and savory rice all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Instructions

Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces or strips (about 1 inch).
Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet, add chicken and seasonings, cook until done.
Add Ingredients: Stir in chicken broth, nacho cheese sauce, and Rotel. Bring to a boil.
Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice. Cover and cook until rice is tender.
Serve: Top with favorite taco toppings and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Mexican