Description
Hearty queso chicken and rice delivers comfort in a single skillet with Mexican-inspired flavors. Rich cheese sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) queso cheese dip
- 1 cup (240 ml) white rice, uncooked
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) chili powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Introduce seasoned chicken pieces, sautéing until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate uncooked rice, fragrant spices, diced tomatoes, and rich chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Elevate heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to low, covering the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and allowing the mixture to gently simmer for 18-22 minutes.
- Verify rice’s tenderness by testing a small grain; once perfectly cooked, remove from heat and fold in creamy queso cheese dip until smoothly integrated.
- Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Finish by scattering freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, creating a vibrant garnish that adds a burst of herbal freshness.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, helping achieve fluffy and separate grains in the final dish.
- Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
- Add extra heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process for spice lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg