Description
This Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe combines tender diced chicken breast with a flavorful blend of spices, toasted rice, and a creamy white queso cheese dip. Cooked in a single skillet, this comforting meal delivers a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Ideal for a quick 30-minute dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- Diced chicken breast – 1 lb
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper – 1/4 tsp
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Dried cilantro – 1 tsp
- Chili powder – 1 tsp
Rice and Sauce
- Minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – 1 can (10 oz)
- Tomato sauce – 1/2 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Long grain white rice (rinsed) – 1 cup
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Finishing & Garnish
- White queso cheese dip – 1 cup
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish) – 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Season and cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and add the diced chicken. 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 coat it with the spices.
- Toast the rice: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil and the rinsed rice to the empty side of the skillet. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it starts to turn translucent and lightly golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add garlic and liquids: Stir minced garlic into the rice and chicken mixture, then add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer the mixture: Once the mixture begins to bubble, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate the cheese sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the white queso cheese dip until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top of the dish for a fresh herbal note. Serve the Chicken Cheese and Rice warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- If white queso cheese dip is unavailable, substitute with a creamy Monterey Jack cheese sauce or queso blanco for a similar texture and flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic from a jar for enhanced flavor.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwest
