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If you’re craving a meal that brings together bold flavors, gooey cheese, tender chicken, and comfort-food-worthy rice all in one pan, then you simply must try this Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that cooks up quickly on a busy weeknight but tastes like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. With layers of smoky spices, a creamy cheese finish, and vibrant hints of fresh cilantro, this skillet delivers everything you want for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s bursting with color and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each ingredient plays an essential role—whether it’s a spice bringing warmth, the chicken providing heartiness, or the cheese adding that luscious creamy texture. Trust me, these straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Chicken breast, diced: Easy to find and quick-cooking, it’s the lean protein that makes this meal hearty.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly for that golden crust.
- Salt: Elevates all the flavors and enhances seasoning balance.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle heat layer that complements the spices.
- Cayenne pepper: Offers a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with tomato-based ingredients.
- Dried cilantro: Adds a dry herbaceous note that intensifies the overall aroma.
- Chili powder: Lends warmth and a slightly spicy complexity.
- Minced garlic: Infuses savory pungency and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies): Delivers a fresh, zesty pop with a mild spice.
- Tomato sauce: Provides richness and smoothness, binding the spices and liquids.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that tenderizes rice and infuses the dish.
- Long grain white rice (rinsed): Absorbs all those delicious flavors and keeps the dish fluffy.
- Olive oil: Helps toast the rice to give it a lovely nutty undertone.
- White queso cheese dip: The star creamy ingredient that transforms this skillet into a cheesy delight.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish that wakes up each bite.
How to Make Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by dicing the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, making every mouthful tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté and Season the Chicken
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and shimmering. Add the diced chicken along with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. These spices form a delicious crust on the chicken while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Cook until the chicken is nearly done, about 5 to 7 minutes, making sure it’s well-coated with spices.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Push the seasoned chicken to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil to the center, then pour in the rinsed long grain white rice. Toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step adds a wonderful nuttiness to the rice that complements the rich chicken flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in minced garlic, followed by the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the rice and chicken are evenly coated. This mixture will become the flavor-packed base for the dish.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once the mixture starts bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to simmer gently. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender. Resist the temptation to lift the lid—it’s essential for the rice to steam properly.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the creamy white queso cheese dip. This step transforms the dish, coating the rice and chicken in a velvety, melty cheese finish that brings everything together in the most comforting way.
How to Serve Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of color and a bright herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy base. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or a few thinly sliced jalapeños for those who love a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is substantial on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. A side of warm tortillas or crusty bread also works wonderfully for scooping up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe directly out of the pan family-style at the table—that rustic, unfussy presentation invites everyone to dig in. You could also spoon the skillet mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake briefly for a vibrant, impressive presentation that doubles as a colorful side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting overnight, making the next-day meal taste just as amazing.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the rice. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep that creamy cheese sauce smooth and not dried out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust simmering accordingly, and you might need to add broth gradually to ensure it cooks evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheese and spices still deliver plenty of flavor.
What type of cheese is best for this dish?
This recipe calls for white queso cheese dip because it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture without being overpowering. You can substitute with cream cheese or a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack if preferred.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and then reheat it?
Yes, you can make the entire skillet ahead of time and reheat it before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal ready in minutes.
How spicy is the dish?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the cayenne, chili powder, and Rotel, but it’s easily adjustable. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the cayenne and chili powder. For more heat, add additional fresh chilies or hot sauce at the end.
Final Thoughts
If you want a flavorful, fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s quick, packed with robust spices, creamy cheese, and cozy textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!
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Print
Chicken Cheese and Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Description
This Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe is a flavorful, comforting one-pot meal combining tender diced chicken breast, aromatic spices, savory tomato sauce, and creamy white queso cheese. Perfectly cooked long grain white rice is infused with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, making each bite a delightful blend of spice and creaminess. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy skillet dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner for four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into small bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried cilantro
- 1 tsp chili powder
Rice and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white queso cheese dip
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and quick sautéing.
- Cook and Season the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook the chicken until it is almost fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to evenly coat with spices.
- Toast the Rice: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Drizzle olive oil into the center of the skillet and add the rinsed rice. Toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to lightly brown and become fragrant.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the rice and chicken mixture. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the Rice: Once the mixture starts bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the white queso cheese dip thoroughly to create a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for color and freshness. Serve the chicken cheese and rice warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- If white queso cheese dip is unavailable, substitute with a mild cream cheese or a smooth melted cheddar cheese for a similar creamy effect.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh garlic instead of minced jarred garlic enhances the flavor greatly.
- Ensure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid for effective simmering of the rice.
