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Home » One Pot Meals

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Published: Oct 15, 2025 by Jay (Spinelli) · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

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When I make this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, my whole kitchen fills with the smell of smoky spices, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken. I love this recipe because it’s pure comfort in one skillet. The chicken cooks perfectly tender, the rice soaks up all that rich, creamy queso sauce, and the melted cheese on top ties it all together. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug after a long day. I can throw it together quickly, and cleanup is easy since everything cooks in one pan. The best part is watching that gooey layer of cheese bubble up before I serve it, I call it pure magic.

A creamy serving of one pot queso chicken and rice topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, scooped from a skillet

Why One Pot Meals Are the Best

One pot meals are a lifesaver for busy days. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and let all the ingredients cook together to build deep, layered flavor. You get tender meat, perfectly cooked grains, and a rich sauce all in one dish. Plus, they’re versatile. You can effortlessly switch up proteins, spices, or veggies based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just yourself, one pot meals are the perfect mix of convenience and comfort.

A creamy serving of one pot queso chicken and rice topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, scooped from a skillet

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A creamy serving of one pot queso chicken and rice topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, scooped from a skillet
A creamy serving of one pot queso chicken and rice topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, scooped from a skillet

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a creamy, cheesy comfort meal that comes together easily in a single skillet. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Boneless Chicken Breast diced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 ½ cups Long-grain White Rice uncooked
  • 1 can 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies undrained
  • 2 ¼ cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • 1 ½ cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until chicken is mostly cooked through.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice and the entire can of Rotel (including juices). Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice slightly and blend the flavors.
  • Add the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the nacho cheese sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
  • Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish and serve wa

Video

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes and add a small handful of chopped jalapeños. They’ll give the queso sauce a spicy kick that takes this dish to the next level.
Keyword chicken and rice recipes, ground chicken recipes, one pot meals, queso chicken and rice, rice and chicken
A creamy serving of one pot queso chicken and rice topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs, scooped from a skillet

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Comments

  1. Will says

    November 17, 2025 at 2:08 pm

    This recipe looks delicious! I do have a question though. I'd like to use brown rice instead of white rice. What changes to the cooking time would I have to make to do that or should I not use brown rice? Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes.

    Reply
    • Jay (Spinelli) says

      November 19, 2025 at 7:58 am

      it take brown rice 2 to 3 times longer to cook than white rice. I hope this helps.

      Reply
  2. DS says

    October 21, 2025 at 1:30 pm

    5 stars
    We've made this twice already, it's great!

    Reply
    • Jay (Spinelli) says

      October 22, 2025 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

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My cooking journey started like many great stories do in the kitchen, fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for good food.

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