Simple One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner option? The Simple One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice recipe is your go-to solution. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy queso cheese, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one pot. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 cup queso cheese dip or shredded queso cheese

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup milk

1 small onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken:

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Rice:

Stir in the rice, ensuring it’s well coated with the spices and mixed with the chicken and vegetables.

Combine Liquids:

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer:

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Add the Queso:

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the queso cheese. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or tomatoes to suit your taste.

Make it Spicy: For a kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Use Pre-cooked Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.

This Simple One-Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is a meal that checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and satisfying. Perfect for busy days or when you just want a cozy dinner with minimal cleanup. Enjoy!
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