Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice

Name: Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup store-bought queso dip; 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

Posted on May 26, 2025

One-Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Cheese

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Get ready for your new weeknight favorite: Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice! This one-pan wonder is loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, zesty Tex-Mex flavors, and smothered in gooey queso cheese sauce. It’s everything you love about comfort food, with a bold and festive twist. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is fast, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and family-approved, this Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice is a total win. It comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal. The cheesy queso adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and well-seasoned rice. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty in a hurry. Whether you serve it on its own or with a side of chips or tortillas, this dish hits all the right notes—cheesy, savory, and totally satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Feel free to use fresh or pantry staples—whatever you have on hand!

Main Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or jasmine works great)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup store-bought queso dip (or homemade if you prefer)
1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice

This one-pan meal comes together quickly and easily. Just a few steps and dinner is served!

Prep the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Sauté: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes).
Add rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in queso: Remove the lid and stir in the queso dip. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Cover the pan again for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is designed to feed a hungry crew with minimal effort. It’s ideal for families, meal prep, or casual dinner nights when you want something satisfying and quick.

Servings: 4 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

It’s a full meal on its own, but you can also serve it with tortilla chips, a side salad, or warm flour tortillas for an even bigger spread!

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some easy ways to customize your Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice:

Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream for even more richness.
Swap the protein: Try cooked ground beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans with the rice for extra color and nutrients.
Use leftover chicken: Got rotisserie chicken? Just shred and stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftovers of this cheesy, flavorful dish are just as good the next day—maybe even better!

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze it too! Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra 15–20 minutes and more broth as needed.

2. Is queso dip the same as shredded cheese?
Nope! Queso dip is a creamy, melted cheese sauce. It adds richness and smooth texture, unlike shredded cheese which melts thicker.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

4. What kind of queso should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought queso or a homemade version. White queso or spicy varieties both work great!

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—swap in a dairy-free cheese sauce and skip the shredded cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

6. What sides go well with this dish?
Tortilla chips, guacamole, a crisp salad, or sautéed veggies make great sides.

7. How can I make it less spicy for kids?
Use mild queso and diced tomatoes without green chilies. Skip the chili powder or reduce it to taste.

Let’s Recap

Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice is everything you want in a meal—easy, cheesy, and bursting with bold, Tex-Mex flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this one-pan dish delivers every time. It’s fast, flexible, and full of fun.

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