Chicken Cheese and Rice is a warm, hearty, and creamy one-skillet meal made with juicy chicken, seasoned rice, and melty white queso. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple and fast – This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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One pan, minimal mess – Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
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Family favorite – Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, even picky eaters will love it.
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Customizable – Spice it up or down, switch out the protein, or add in extra veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken breast
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Butter
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Cayenne pepper
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Ground cumin
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Dried cilantro
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Chili powder
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Minced garlic
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Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies)
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Tomato sauce
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Chicken broth
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Long grain white rice
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Olive oil
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White queso cheese dip
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Fresh cilantro
Directions
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Dice the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook until almost done.
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Push the chicken to the side of the skillet and add olive oil and rinsed white rice to the center. Toast the rice for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add minced garlic, Rotel, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together.
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When the mixture starts bubbling, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked.
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Once done, remove from heat and stir in the white queso cheese dip. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
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Serve on its own or with tortillas or chips.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use beef or shrimp instead of chicken for a different flavor.
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Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding black beans or sautéed bell peppers.
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Add more heat with extra cayenne or jalapeños.
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Use brown rice, adjusting cook time and liquid as needed.
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Top with extras like diced avocado, green onions, or hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen if needed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add it in during the step where you combine all the ingredients, since it only needs to heat through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. The texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating.
What kind of queso should I use?
Any store-bought white queso dip will work. Use your favorite for best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
What can I use instead of Rotel?
You can substitute with a mix of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies.
How do I prevent mushy rice?
Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking and avoid overcooking during the simmering step.
Can I make this in a rice cooker or Instant Pot?
This recipe is best in a skillet, but it can be adapted for other appliances with timing adjustments.
Is there a low-sodium option?
Use low-sodium broth and adjust seasonings to taste.
What sides go well with this dish?
It’s great with a side salad, grilled veggies, or tortilla chips.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of queso dip?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy. Mix in some milk or cream with shredded cheese for better texture.
Conclusion
Chicken Cheese and Rice is the kind of go-to meal you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. With bold flavors, creamy cheese, and easy clean-up, it’s a dish that delivers comfort and convenience in every bite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.
Chicken Cheese and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Cheese and Rice is a quick, creamy, and comforting one-skillet dinner made with juicy chicken breast, seasoned rice, and melty white queso. This easy weeknight meal is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for families or anyone craving cheesy, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Chicken breast, diced
Butter
Salt
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Ground cumin
Dried cilantro
Chili powder
Minced garlic
Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies)
Tomato sauce
Chicken broth
Long grain white rice (rinsed)
Olive oil
White queso cheese dip
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions:
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Dice the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add chicken. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook until almost done.
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Push chicken to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil and rinsed rice to the center. Toast the rice for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add minced garlic, Rotel, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well.
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Once it starts bubbling, cover with a lid. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
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Remove from heat and stir in white queso cheese dip.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Substitute with black beans or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
