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Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe

Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe
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A comforting and flavorful Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso recipe that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, melty queso cheese, and traditional Mexican spices for a quick, cheesy, and delicious one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights and enjoyed by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Cheese

  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese or queso (such as queso Chihuahua, queso fresco, Monterrey Jack)

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onions and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromas.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add chicken breasts or thighs to the pan and sear each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through, locking in juices and flavor.
  4. Add Rice, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed around the chicken.
  5. Simmer until Cooked: Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice absorbs the broth and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Add the Queso: Once the rice is tender, shred the chicken directly in the pan using two forks. Sprinkle the queso cheese evenly over the top, replace the lid, and let it melt into creamy perfection.
  7. Finish with Fresh Flavors: Remove the pan from heat, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro if using. Serve hot to enjoy the gooey, flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Rinsing rice helps it cook fluffy instead of sticky.
  • Adding lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors wonderfully.
  • Use good melting cheeses like queso Chihuahua or fresh queso fresco for authentic flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook chicken before simmering to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Keep the pan tightly covered during simmering to ensure rice steams properly and does not dry out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken and rice, queso recipe, cheesy chicken rice, one-pot Mexican dinner, quick Mexican recipe

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/mexican-chicken-and-rice-with-queso-recipe/