Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso: Best 30 Minute Recipe
A creamy, comforting Mexican-inspired chicken and rice dish made in one pan with seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and rich melted queso perfect for an easy family dinner.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup queso cheese dip
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- 3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
- 4. Add rice, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 5. Stir well, bring to a simmer, then cover.
- 6. Cook for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- 7. Remove lid and stir in queso and shredded cheese until creamy and melted.
- 8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: mexican chicken and rice, chicken rice queso, one pan mexican dinner, cheesy chicken rice