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

Scale

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

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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.