If you’re looking for a simple, delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup, this Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish brings together tender chicken, cheesy queso, and fluffy rice all cooked in one pot. You’ll love the creamy, savory goodness and the convenience of a one-pot meal. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

What is One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken breasts, rice, and a rich, creamy queso sauce. The best part? Everything is cooked together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. The cheesy queso sauce melts into the rice and chicken, creating a comforting dish that's perfect for dinner any night of the week. It's filling, flavorful, and requires minimal effort – exactly what a weeknight dinner should be!
Ingredients List for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium or regular)
- 1 cup store-bought queso dip (or homemade)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
Ingredient List for Homemade Queso Dip (Optional)
If you prefer making your own queso dip instead of using store-bought, here’s a simple recipe for a homemade version:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap out ingredients or add new ones based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some substitution ideas:
- Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. You can easily swap them for chicken breasts in this recipe.
- Brown Rice Instead of White Rice: For a healthier twist, you can use brown rice. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly and add a little more liquid (chicken broth).
- Homemade Queso vs. Store-bought Queso: Store-bought queso dip is quick and convenient, but if you prefer making your own, you can follow the simple queso dip recipe above.
- Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the queso or chicken marinade if you like it spicy.
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the dish for more flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together. Follow these easy steps to make your One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point – they’ll finish cooking with the rice. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: In the same pot, add the diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it's well-coated with the oil and onions. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the Chicken to the Pot: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Check occasionally and stir to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
- Add the Queso Dip: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the lid and stir in the queso dip until everything is well combined. If you want extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle some shredded cheese on top and let it melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
How to Cook One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key steps:
- Season and Sear: Season the chicken breasts with spices, then sear them in olive oil to lock in flavor.
- Sauté the Onions: Soften the onions in the same pot to build a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook the Rice and Chicken Together: Add the rice, chicken broth, and tomatoes, then simmer with the chicken to cook everything in one pot.
- Stir in the Queso: Once the rice is tender, stir in queso for that creamy, cheesy finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot for a delicious, one-pot meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Searing the Chicken Properly: Searing the chicken is essential for locking in flavor and giving the dish a rich, caramelized taste. Don’t skip this step or rush it!
- Undercooking or Overcooking the Rice: Make sure to keep an eye on the rice. Cooking it at too high a heat can cause it to burn, while undercooking will leave it hard. Simmer gently and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Stick to the recommended amount of chicken broth. Adding too much will result in mushy rice.
- Not Stirring in the Queso Well: Be sure to fully incorporate the queso dip into the rice and chicken to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, simplicity is key. This dish is already rich and flavorful, so you don’t need a lot of extra sides. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish adds brightness.
- Tortilla Chips: For a little crunch, serve this dish alongside some tortilla chips. They’re perfect for scooping up any extra queso sauce.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to add some freshness and lighten the meal.
How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
This dish is great served family-style, straight from the pot! It’s warm, comforting, and designed for casual dining, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Simply place the pot in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves.
Presentation Ideas for One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
While this is a simple dish, you can elevate its presentation with a few easy touches:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve the dish in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle look.
- Individual Bowls: Ladle portions into individual bowls and top each one with a little extra shredded cheese, cilantro, and a lime wedge.
- Colorful Toppings: Add a few colorful toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to make the dish visually appealing.
One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time to make this recipe even quicker on busy weeknights.
- Reheating: This dish reheats beautifully. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, you can easily double the ingredients. Just make sure to use a large enough pot to accommodate the extra food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time and add more broth.
Q: Can I freeze One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop with a little extra broth.
Q: What’s the best queso dip to use?
A: You can use store-bought queso dip or make your own using the recipe provided above. Both work well!
Q: Can I add other veggies?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or black beans would all be great additions to this dish.
Conclusion
This Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. With tender chicken, cheesy rice, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s made in one pot, so you won’t be stuck with a sink full of dishes afterward! Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a meal that’s big on flavor and low on hassle.
PrintEasy One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe
This Easy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is a creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a delicious homemade queso sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot for a fuss-free, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso cheese dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pot, nestling them into the rice. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and stir in the queso cheese dip and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the pot and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a spicy queso dip or add jalapeños to the dish.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
- This dish pairs well with a side of guacamole or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1050mg
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