There's something magical about a One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe that combines everything you love in a Tex-Mex meal: tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy queso sauce, all made in a single pot. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and satisfies the whole family with minimal cleanup.

I discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something fast but filling, and it's become a staple in our house ever since. Perfect for hectic evenings, this dish takes just 30 minutes to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight favorite. This Queso Chicken and Rice recipe has all the rich, cheesy goodness you crave, plus some key perks that make it hard to beat.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With everything cooked in a single pot, there’s no juggling multiple pans or worrying about complex steps. You simply add the ingredients, stir, and let the flavors work their magic.

Secondly, this meal is packed with flavor. The spices blend perfectly with the tender chicken and cheese, creating a slightly spicy, creamy sauce that’s pure comfort food. It’s like bringing a Tex-Mex restaurant into your kitchen, but without the bill!

Budget-friendly ingredients make this recipe a win for your wallet too. All you need are simple staples like rice, cheese, and boneless chicken – affordable and easy to find.

Finally, this recipe is versatile. Whether you're looking to customize the level of spice or add extra veggies, this dish adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Queso Chicken and Rice recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, creating a balanced dish with just the right mix of flavors and textures.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best in this recipe. Cut into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and stay juicy, absorbing all those wonderful spices.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal here. It cooks evenly and fluffs up nicely without turning mushy. Avoid instant rice, as it won’t hold up well in the cooking process.
Queso cheese: You can use your favorite brand of store-bought queso or make it yourself. Either way, it adds a creamy, rich flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Spices: A mix of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives the dish its signature Tex-Mex kick. These spices add warmth without overwhelming heat, making it kid-friendly.
Chicken broth: This is the base for cooking the rice and infusing it with flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use low-sodium broth, as the queso will add plenty of richness.

For equipment, all you need is a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot that can handle both sautéing and simmering.

How To Make This One Pot Queso Chicken And Rice

Creating this flavorful Queso Chicken and Rice is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and slightly crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in your spices: chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, allowing the flavors to meld.

Once your spices are fragrant, add the rice to the skillet, stirring it around to coat it in the spices and oil. This helps the rice absorb all those Tex-Mex flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well, then return the chicken to the skillet. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Finally, stir in the queso cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce that brings everything together. Give it a good stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve!

This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for weeknights when time is short. Expect a dish that’s cheesy, savory, and filled with Tex-Mex flair.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (a big "if" with a dish this good), storing them is a breeze.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just note that the rice may absorb some of the sauce, so it’s best to reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Freezer: This dish freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a little liquid to bring back the creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

This Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices. You could also use a spicier queso for an extra kick.
Add Veggies: Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Just add them in with the onions for a more balanced meal.
Change the Protein: If you’re not in the mood for chicken, ground beef or turkey work well, too. Just brown the meat in the same way and continue with the recipe.
Swap the Cheese: Can’t find queso? Use shredded cheddar or pepper jack. Add a little cream to help it blend smoothly into the dish.
Low-Carb Option: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. Cook it as you would the rice, but reduce the cooking time as it’ll be done in just a few minutes.

No matter how you customize it, this Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!