Ever had a creamy, cheesy dish that wraps you in a warm hug?

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice brings all the cozy vibes right to your kitchen, and honestly, who doesn’t love that? This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a quick, creamy, one-pan wonder that has taken the internet by storm. With easy cleanup and scrumptious results, you’ll find yourself making this comfort food again and again—in fact, it might just become your family’s new favorite!

Why make this recipe

Let’s be real: who wants to stress over dinner when you can whip up something delicious and simple? Here are a few reasons why you should totally give this dish a shot:

Easy Cleanup: One pot does it all! You’ll reduce the number of dirty dishes and avoid the post-dinner dread.
Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese, and adults adore anything that tastes this good—win-win! Plus, it’s customizable with toppings that everyone can add.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t have to break the bank for a comforting meal. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples!

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
2¼ cups chicken broth
1 cup nacho cheese sauce (jarred or homemade)
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños

Directions

Let’s get cooking! Just follow these easy steps:

Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, seasoning it with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until chicken is mostly cooked through.
Add the Rice and Rotel: Stir in the uncooked rice and the entire can of Rotel (juices included!). Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice slightly; it’s all about the flavor!
Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the Queso: Once the rice is cooked, mix in that heavenly nacho cheese sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese. You want it melted and creamy, trust me!
Finish with Toppings: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish as desired and serve warm.

How to make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: Easy Comfort Food (Overview)

Making this dish is as straightforward as it gets! Start by sautéing your chicken to pack in those delicious spices. Next, add the rice and Rotel for a zesty kick, then pour in the chicken broth and let everything simmer to perfection. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the nacho cheese sauce and some shredded cheese for that dreamy creaminess. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference in flavor!

How to serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: Easy Comfort Food

Once you plate this beautiful melty concoction, you’ll experience a feast for the senses! The creamy cheese shines against the vibrant colors of the chicken and tomatoes. Pair it with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness or a dollop of sour cream for that chill contrast. Seriously, the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the dinner table!

How to store One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: Easy Comfort Food

If you somehow have leftovers (a Herculean feat!), this dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just pop it in an airtight container to lock in those flavors. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! For reheating, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips to make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: Easy Comfort Food

Before you grab that spatula, here are a few insider tricks:

Timing is Key: Don’t rush the simmering stage; it’ll make your rice perfectly fluffy.
Ingredient Swaps: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous!
Texture Tips: Letting the cheese sit for a few minutes off the heat allows it to melt beautifully.

Variation

Feeling like adding a twist? You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for black beans and using vegetable broth. Want more spice? Toss in some chopped jalapeños with the Rotel or stir in some cayenne pepper!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts—it usually takes longer to cook.

What can I use instead of nacho cheese sauce?
Feel free to make your own homemade queso or use cream cheese for a different luscious texture!

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just prepare everything, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It’ll taste even better when the flavors mingle!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!