If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and clean-up, this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is just what you need. Packed with tender chicken, creamy queso, and seasoned rice, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s made in just one pot, making both cooking and cleaning up a breeze. Read on for the step-by-step instructions, tips, and ways to customize this meal for your tastes!

What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, all simmered in a rich queso sauce. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pot, making it incredibly convenient for a quick weeknight dinner. The queso sauce adds a creamy, flavorful element that takes the classic chicken and rice combination to a whole new level. The rice absorbs all the flavors from the chicken and the queso sauce, creating a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients List for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To make this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for browning the chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced – adds flavor to the dish
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – for a delicious, aromatic base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – cooks perfectly in the sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies – for a bit of a spicy kick
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – adds warmth and depth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors
- 2 cups chicken broth – to cook the rice and build flavor
- 1 cup queso dip – the creamy, cheesy element that ties everything together
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for extra cheesy goodness
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Chopped cilantro (optional) – for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or simply use what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts: If you prefer more tender, juicy chicken, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs.
- Brown rice instead of white rice: If you're looking for a healthier, whole-grain option, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook.
- Add vegetables: You can add some extra nutrition by tossing in vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. They’ll cook beautifully alongside the rice and chicken.
- Spicy queso: If you like a little more heat, try using a spicy queso dip or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the queso dip and shredded cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the dish lactose-friendly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cooking this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is incredibly easy and requires minimal prep. Here's how to do it:
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice and spices: Stir in the uncooked rice, cumin, and chili powder. Let the rice toast for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid) and the chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add the queso and chicken: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the queso dip and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together until the chicken is heated through and the queso is evenly distributed.
- Top with cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
How to Cook One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your ingredients: Before starting, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Dice the chicken, onions, and garlic, measure out your rice and spices, and have your broth, queso, and cheese nearby.
- Cook the chicken first: This step ensures the chicken gets a nice sear and doesn’t overcook once added back in with the rice and queso.
- Toast the rice: Toasting the rice with the spices helps to build extra flavor, giving the dish a more robust taste.
- Simmer gently: Be sure to keep the heat low once you add the broth and rice. Cooking it low and slow ensures the rice becomes tender without burning.
- Melt the cheese to finish: Adding the shredded cheddar at the end and allowing it to melt gives the dish a cheesy, gooey finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much broth, as it can make the rice soggy. Stick to the recommended amount for the perfect consistency.
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to brown the chicken just until it's cooked through, then remove it from the pot. Overcooking it at the start can make the chicken dry by the end of the recipe.
- Forgetting to stir: It’s important to stir the rice occasionally while simmering to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving any meal. Here are a few tips to make your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice look as good as it tastes:
- Add fresh garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions will add color and freshness to the dish.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven: Serve the meal directly from a rustic cast-iron pot for a family-style presentation.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream: Add a small dollop of sour cream or guacamole to each serving for a pop of color and creaminess.
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can also pair it with some sides to round out the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Tortilla chips: Serve with a side of tortilla chips for some added crunch. You can even use the chips to scoop up the cheesy rice!
- Simple side salad: A light side salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the queso chicken and rice.
- Roasted veggies: For added nutrition, serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots.
Presentation Ideas for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
- Family-style serving: Serve this dish straight from the pot in the center of the table for a casual, family-style dinner.
- Individual bowls: Serve in wide, shallow bowls for easy eating and a cozy presentation.
- Taco-inspired setup: Garnish each plate with lime wedges, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a fun, taco-inspired vibe.
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- Make it ahead: This dish stores well, so feel free to make it a day ahead and reheat it for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the queso and keep the rice from drying out.
- Custom spice levels: Adjust the level of spice to suit your taste by adding more chili powder, hot sauce, or using spicy queso.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe with leftover chicken?
A: Yes! If you have pre-cooked or leftover chicken, simply skip the browning step and stir the chicken in when adding the queso dip.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked rice?
A: While it’s best to cook the rice in the broth for maximum flavor, you can use pre-cooked rice. Simply reduce the amount of broth by half and add the rice after the chicken and queso have been mixed in.
Conclusion
There you have it—an incredibly easy and delicious One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe that’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and don't forget to experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
Now, get ready to impress your family with this cheesy, flavorful comfort food that’s ready in under an hour and only dirties one pot. Happy cooking!
PrintEasy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe
Our easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect quick meal, loaded with tender chicken, cheesy rice, and a flavorful queso sauce. This simple, one-pot recipe saves time without sacrificing taste. Perfect for a hearty, comforting dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Uncooked rice
- Queso cheese
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies
- Onion
- Garlic
- Spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Season the chicken breasts with spices and sear them in the pot.
- Add uncooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in queso cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the queso.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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