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One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice served in a bowl with colorful ingredients

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Julia
A comforting one-pot dish featuring savory chicken and creamy cheese blended with rice and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons Oil for sautéing Use vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin

For the Dish

  • 1 cup Long-grain rice or basmati rice Uncooked
  • 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Diced tomatoes (canned) Drained
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese or queso blend Shredded or cubed

For the Vegetables

  • 1 cup Diced bell peppers Any color
  • 1 cup Diced onions

For Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken

  • Heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat in a large pot or skillet.
  • Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, chili powder, and cumin.
  • Cook until browned and cooked through.

Add Vegetables

  • Toss in diced onions and bell peppers.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften.

Mix in Rice and Broth

  • Stir in the uncooked rice and pour in the broth.
  • Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cover the pot.
  • Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Final Touches

  • Once the rice is cooked, add the can of diced tomatoes and your choice of cheese.
  • Stir until everything is well mixed and the cheese is melted.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and dig in!

Notes

To elevate your dish, use fresh ingredients and consider mixing different cheeses. Leftovers can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Keyword Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One Pot Meal, One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice