Ready in: 35 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: One-Pot Cooking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.Quick Answer
A comforting one-pot dish featuring flavorful chicken, rice, and creamy queso – perfect for cozy family gatherings.When the cooler temperatures of fall start to settle over New York City, my culinary adventures begin to feel more homey and comforting. Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner, and what better way to start preparing for festive gatherings than with a warm, satisfying dish that brings the family together? I recently tried my hand at a delightful one-pot recipe that not only fills the belly but also warms the soul: One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly fall evenings.
- Easy one-pot preparation minimizes cleanup time.
- Delicious blend of flavors with creamy queso, chicken, and spices.
- Great for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
- Versatile recipe that can accommodate different proteins or spice levels.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this comforting dish:
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Liquids
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)
This one-pot recipe is simple yet delicious, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma of cooking onions always gets me in the mood for a hearty meal.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken
Next, toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped chicken breast to the pot. Season generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
Step 3: Incorporate the Rice
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle in the rice, stirring until it's well combined with the chicken and aromatics.
Step 4: Add Liquids
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and corn. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is incorporated, then bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. You'll want to keep an eye on it as it cooks, as the mixture bubbles away-the sizzle is music to my ears!
Step 6: Add Queso
Once done, remove the pot from the heat and fold in the queso dip until everything is lush and creamy. I can't tell you how satisfying it is to see that gooey goodness come together.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped cilantro, serve hot, and enjoy a hearty meal that's perfect for those upcoming holiday gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Chicken: Ensure the chicken pieces aren't crammed together; this prevents them from browning nicely and can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the Sauté: Don't skip the step of sautéing the onions and garlic first. This builds depth of flavor that you'll miss in the final dish.
- Not Checking for Liquid Absorption: Make sure to check if the rice has absorbed most of the liquid before adding the queso. If there's too much liquid, it will dilute that creamy, cheesy texture.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken.
- If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different twist on this recipe.
- Leftovers can easily be reheated in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture stiffens up.
Variations
- Use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option.
- Incorporate black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Try different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or cheddar, for varied flavors.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
How to Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
- Offer tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Consider serving with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I was reminded how the simplest of ingredients could yield such a comforting meal that everyone loves. Having a one-pot dish like this means less cleanup, leaving me more time to enjoy the season's festivities with family and friends.Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 · Serving Size: 1 bowlNutritional Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~480 calories · 30g protein · 50g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Cozy One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic for about a minute, then add the chopped chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle in the rice, stirring well to combine.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and corn. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the queso dip until creamy.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian dish.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add spice, consider including sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken. You can also top the finished dish with hot sauce.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra chicken broth when you're ready to serve.
5. What should I serve with One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you could serve it with a side salad, homemade guacamole, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
