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Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice

Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice

  • Author: easysweetmeal
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, one-pan dinner bursting with bold spices, juicy chicken, tender rice, and sweet corn—all topped with creamy queso fresco. It’s a satisfying, cheesy dish that’s quick to make and full of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

  • 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper.
Cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Toast the Rice

Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat in spices.

4. Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add Tomatoes and Corn

Uncover and stir in the diced tomatoes and corn.
Continue to cook, uncovered, for another 10–12 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Return Chicken & Add Cheese

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco evenly over the top.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.

Notes

This Mexican Queso Chicken and Rice Skillet is the kind of recipe that turns busy weeknights into comforting, flavorful meals. With simple ingredients and bold Tex-Mex spices, it’s a go-to favorite for anyone craving homemade comfort food with a cheesy twist.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://easysweetmeal.com/mexican-queso-chicken-and-rice/