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
Scale
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.
