This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice, it’s a flavorful dinner your whole family will love. Perfect for anyone searching for quick and easy chicken and rice recipes, easy chicken dinner recipes, easy recipes for dinner, chicken and rice recipes healthy, easy chicken crockpot recipes, quick and easy recipes, or easy dinner recipes for family!

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
4) How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
5) Tips for Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
6) Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
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9) One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is a quick and easy chicken and rice recipe perfect for weeknights.
Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
It’s a cheesy, flavorful, family-friendly meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Queso and cheddar give it a creamy, comforting texture everyone will love.

2) Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’ve been looking for quick and easy chicken and rice recipes to save your weeknights, this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is about to become your new favorite. It brings together the best of both worlds: a cheesy, hearty dinner and a minimal-dishes prep that saves you precious time and effort. With tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious mix of queso and cheddar cheese, it’s packed with flavor and made to please even picky eaters. It’s the type of recipe that makes your family ask for seconds—if there’s any left! This dish not only falls into the category of easy chicken dinner recipes, but also works for busy families, solo dinners, or casual weekend meals. You’ll love how everything comes together in one pot, making it perfect if you’re also searching for easy recipes for dinner or need something simple but delicious.

3) Ingredients for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Olive Oil: You’ll need just a tablespoon of olive oil to start everything off right. It adds flavor and helps soften the onions as the base of your dish. Choose extra virgin if you prefer a more robust taste, or light olive oil for a milder option.

Yellow Onion: One chopped yellow onion brings a mild, sweet flavor that complements the spices and balances the creamy queso sauce. Be sure to cook until translucent for maximum flavor.

Garlic Powder: Two teaspoons of garlic powder infuse the dish with an aromatic base without the effort of mincing fresh garlic. It disperses well and offers a mellow depth of flavor.

Salt: A teaspoon of salt enhances the taste of the entire dish. You can always adjust this to your preference depending on the saltiness of your broth and queso.

Cumin: One teaspoon of cumin delivers a warm, earthy tone that ties in beautifully with the chili powder and gives the dish a subtle Tex-Mex flair.

Chili Powder: At just half a teaspoon, chili powder adds a hint of spice and depth without overwhelming the dish. It’s perfect for family meals where not everyone enjoys a lot of heat.

Paprika: Another half teaspoon brings a touch of smokiness and vibrant color. You can substitute smoked paprika if you want even more intensity.

Chicken Breast: Use one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks. It cooks quickly and soaks up all those beautiful spices and sauces. This is where your quick and easy chicken and rice recipes truly shine.

Long-Grain White Rice: A cup and a half of uncooked rice ensures fluffy, separate grains that absorb all the flavors during cooking. Don’t use instant rice as it may become too mushy.

Chicken Broth: Three cups of broth serve as the cooking liquid and infuse the rice with savory goodness. Choose low-sodium broth if you want more control over the salt levels.

Rotel Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This 10-ounce can (undrained) brings zesty flavor and just the right amount of kick. It balances the creamy queso with brightness and tang.

Queso Cheese Sauce: One cup of store-bought queso cheese sauce creates that signature creaminess. It’s what sets this dish apart from other easy chicken crockpot recipes or skillet meals.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A cup and a half of shredded cheddar melts into the rice and chicken to create that irresistible gooey texture. Sharp cheddar works best for maximum flavor.

4) How to Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it turns translucent and soft. This aromatic base lays the foundation for the entire dish and adds a mild sweetness that balances the spices and cheeses perfectly.

Step 2: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Stir everything together so that the onions are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is key to releasing the essential oils of the spices and building a deep flavor profile that infuses every bite of your chicken and rice.

Step 3: Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is a great point to appreciate just how convenient and flavorful quick and easy chicken and rice recipes can be.

Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and the entire can of Rotel (including the juices). Give it a good mix so everything is combined. Raise the heat to bring it all to a boil, then reduce to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid so the rice can steam properly!

Step 5: Once the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in the queso cheese sauce and the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until everything melts together into a creamy, rich, cheesy mixture that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Step 6: Serve warm straight from the pot! You can garnish with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, or even a few dashes of hot sauce if your family enjoys a little extra heat. This is the type of meal you’ll want to return to again and again when thinking about easy dinner recipes for family.

5) Tips for Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

To make your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice as flavorful and easy as possible, start by choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Always sauté the spices with the onions before adding the liquids—this simple step adds depth and richness. Use freshly shredded cheddar for optimal melt and taste, and don’t overcook the rice. If you’re looking for easy recipes for dinner that don’t skimp on flavor, this one’s a winner. Stirring in the queso at the end ensures the dish remains creamy and doesn’t dry out. Lastly, don’t forget a lid while cooking the rice—it helps it cook evenly and prevents burning on the bottom of the pot.

6) Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and weekly meal prep. Simply prepare the dish completely, let it cool, and store in airtight containers. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat, splash a little chicken broth or water into the portion and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round until warmed through. This is one of those quick and easy recipes that actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Whether you’re packing lunches or prepping dinners ahead, it’s a dependable option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.

7) Storing Leftover One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish reheats beautifully, especially when you add a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water before microwaving. It helps loosen the creamy texture and prevents the rice from becoming too dense. This recipe also freezes well—just cool completely, divide into meal-size portions, and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for anyone building a stash of easy chicken crockpot recipes or reheatable meals for busy days. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’re ready to enjoy another delicious dinner!

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9) One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe