Mexican Chicken and Rice With Queso Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, tasty meal, Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso might be just what you need. This dish features seasoned chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy queso, all coming together in a vibrant, satisfying way. In about 30 minutes, you can make a dinner that’s not only delicious but also packed with protein. Curious about how to whip it up and some interesting background on its flavors? Let’s explore further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy, you’ll love this Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, using just seven ingredients, making it simple for busy weeknights.

You’ll season the chicken, mix rice and broth, and let it bake for about 40-50 minutes. The dish combines taco-spiced chicken with savory Spanish rice and tangy salsa, topped with rich queso. Plus, the chicken is cooked through before combining with the rice mixture, ensuring a safe and delicious meal.

Not only is it flavorful, but it also offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with around 34-40 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it’s versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients for dietary needs.

History

The history of Mexican chicken and rice reflects a rich blend of cultural influences and culinary evolution.

It’s important to recognize how ingredients and techniques merged over time. The Spanish brought dairy farming to Mesoamerica in the 16th century, introducing cheese-making that influenced many dishes. Early versions of queso were simple, often featuring melted cheese served over bread. As time went on, traditional Mexican cheeses like Oaxaca and Chihuahua became essential for their melting qualities. The addition of chiles gave queso a unique flavor, leading to popular dishes like queso fundido. When Mexican immigrants moved to Texas, they shared these cheese-based recipes, helping shape Tex-Mex cuisine and creating a beloved comfort food that endures today. Queso’s popularity has been further solidified by its presence at social gatherings and events across the U.S.

Recipe

Mexican Chicken and Rice is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, and a creamy white queso sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is versatile, allowing for customization based on your spice preference and ingredient availability.

Whether you’re serving it as a standalone dish, or alongside tortillas and chips, it’s sure to please a crowd.

To get started, verify you have all your ingredients ready. The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces, and the rice can be either instant or long grain, depending on your preference. The key to a delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice is the taco seasoning and white queso cheese, which infuse the dish with authentic Mexican flavors.

Prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico right to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup rice (instant white rice or long grain white rice)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup white queso cheese
1 cup salsa
2 cups chicken broth or water
1 cup pico de gallo (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Tortillas or tortilla chips for serving (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with taco seasoning. Stir-fry the chicken until cooked through and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the rice to the skillet and toast it for a few minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and salsa, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the white queso cheese until it’s completely melted and creamy. If desired, place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to slightly brown the cheese on top.
Serve the Mexican Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with pico de gallo and fresh cilantro, along with tortillas or tortilla chips on the side.

Extra Tips:

When cooking Mexican Chicken and Rice, feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. You can add cayenne or chili powder for extra heat or use milder salsa for a more subdued flavor.

Additionally, experimenting with different brands of white queso can enhance the creaminess and taste of the dish. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings, as fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, and taco sauce can elevate your meal even further!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience with this delicious Chicken and Rice dish, remember that it’s not just about the meal itself, but also the joy of sharing it with family and friends.

This recipe, infused with the rich flavors of queso, reflects the cultural significance of Tex-Mex cuisine. By incorporating traditional ingredients and techniques, you create a dish that honors its roots while embracing modern tastes. With just seven ingredients, this one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of queso or toppings to make it your own. As you serve your creation, enjoy the conversations and laughter that come with shared meals.

Ultimately, this dish is more than sustenance; it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and relish the flavors of community.

FAQ

Wondering what questions you might’ve about making this Chicken and Rice dish? First, cooking usually takes about 30-40 minutes.

For the main ingredients, you’ll need chicken, queso, rice, taco seasoning, and some vegetables. You can use premade queso blanco or a store brand like Gordo’s. If you’re lactose-intolerant, try lactose-free cheese options. Arroz Con Pollo is a popular Mexican chicken and rice dish often enjoyed by children at restaurants.

When preparing, season the chicken with taco seasoning, cook it in a skillet or grill, and cook the rice with taco seasoning and water. Melt the queso on top during the last few minutes.

Common veggies to add include pico de gallo and salsa. Finally, be mindful of allergies and sodium levels in store-bought sauces. Enjoy your flavorful meal!