There is something truly comforting and crave-worthy about a one-pan dinner that marries bold flavors with simple ingredients, and this Chicken, Cheese, and Cilantro Rice Skillet Recipe fits that description perfectly. Imagine tender, spiced chicken nestled alongside fluffy, flavorful rice, all brought together by a creamy queso cheese finish and a fresh sprinkle of cilantro. It’s a fantastic dish that feels both homey and a little bit special, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a celebration of straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The spice blend tingles your taste buds, the rice adds comforting heartiness, and the cheese completes it all with creamy goodness.
- Chicken breast: Dice into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly, absorbing all the spices.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while creating a beautiful base for flavor.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors, used to taste.
- Black pepper: A classic seasoning that adds a hint of warming spice.
- Cayenne pepper: Brings a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering the dish.
- Ground cumin: Offers a warm, earthy note that pairs perfectly with the chicken and rice.
- Dried cilantro: Infuses the rice with a mild herbal brightness even during cooking.
- Chili powder: Adds depth and a slight smoky flavor that complements the tomatoes and broth.
- Minced garlic: Provides savory pungency that melds all the components together.
- Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies): Adds juicy acidity and a touch of spice for vibrant color and taste.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Chicken broth: Gives the rice flavor while cooking, making it far from plain.
- Long grain white rice (rinsed): The star starch, rinsed to keep the grains light and fluffy.
- Olive oil: Used to toast the rice, providing a subtle nuttiness.
- White queso cheese dip: Stirred in at the end for creamy indulgence and a cheesy finish.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Adds a crisp, fresh pop that brightens every bite.
How to Make Chicken, Cheese, and Cilantro Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by dicing your chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and soaks up the wonderful spices you’ll add next. Having uniform pieces also helps everything cook at the same pace once you’re on the stovetop.
Step 2: Flavor and Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high, then melt the butter until it’s sizzling. Add your diced chicken and season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. These spices create a beautiful, aromatic crust on your chicken. Cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through but still juicy.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Push the chicken to one side of the skillet to make room. Drizzle in the olive oil and add your rinsed rice to the center. Toast the rice gently, stirring a few times to prevent sticking. Toasting gives the rice a delicate nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Add the Flavorful Liquids
Into the skillet, add minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to combine all those tantalizing flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once the mixture begins to bubble, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all those rich flavors. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside for the perfect texture.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the creamy white queso cheese dip. This final step brings everything together with a lovely, smooth creaminess that makes this dish feel indulgent without being complicated.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Cilantro
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top just before serving. The fresh herb adds a vibrant, fragrant contrast that really wakes up the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken, Cheese, and Cilantro Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra sprigs of bright green cilantro lift the flavor and add a fresh, herbal note. For an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten all the layers of taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm tortillas to scoop up the cheesy rice and chicken. A side of black beans or avocado slices can add lovely creaminess and contrasting textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken, cheese, and cilantro rice skillet in individual shallow bowls or cast-iron skillets so everyone can dig in and enjoy warm servings. You can also turn it into a burrito bowl by adding extra toppings like salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more when chilled, making it an easy and delicious option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice and keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally to warm evenly and maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to extend the simmering time and adjust the liquid slightly to ensure it becomes tender without drying out.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a pleasant mild heat from the cayenne and chili powder but nothing overwhelming. You can always adjust the amount of cayenne or skip it entirely if you prefer a gentler spice level.
Can I substitute the white queso cheese dip?
Yes, you can swap it for shredded Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar for a different but equally creamy finish. Just add it at the end to melt smoothly into the rice and chicken.
Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breast?
Definitely! Chicken thighs would add even more juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to dice them into evenly sized pieces and adjust cooking time to make sure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance for a party?
You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for feeding a crowd with minimal stress.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken, Cheese, and Cilantro Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those meals you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, plus it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to impress your friends, give this recipe a try — I promise it will become a favorite in your collection, just like it is in mine!
Print
Chicken, Cheese, and Cilantro Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal combining tender diced chicken breast, aromatic spices, and creamy white queso cheese dip. Perfect for a quick 30-minute dinner, this dish features spiced toast-rice simmered with tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth, finished with a fresh cilantro garnish for a vibrant touch.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces white queso cheese dip
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy mixing with the rice later.
- Cook and season chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 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, allowing the spices to infuse the meat.
- Toast the rice: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add olive oil and the rinsed rice to the center. Toast the rice for a few minutes while stirring occasionally to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything together well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Simmer the mixture: Once the mixture begins bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Incorporate cheese dip: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the white queso cheese dip until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves on top before serving to add a fresh, herbal note. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- If white queso cheese dip is not available, you can substitute with cream cheese or a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack for a similar creamy texture.
- Adjust the cayenne and chili powder to your preferred spice level.
- Use a tight-fitting lid to ensure even simmering and avoid moisture loss.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
