If you’re anything like me, you want dinner on the table fast but flavorful enough to make everyone at home smile. That’s why this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe has become my absolute go-to weeknight wonder. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and tender rice all cooked in one pot—what’s not to love? Keep reading because I’ll share everything you need to nail this cozy, Tex-Mex inspired dish with ease.

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Why This Recipe Works

One Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, cutting down on dishes and cleanup time—huge win!
Bold, Creamy Flavor: The combination of salsa, spices, cream, and cheese brings this dish to life with layers of richness.
Versatility: Easily swap ingredients or tweak seasonings to match what you have in the pantry or your family’s preferences.
Family Friendly: Mild enough for kids but still packs a punch for adults craving hearty comfort food.

One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice, cheesy chicken and rice dinner, Tex-Mex chicken and rice, quick one pot chicken recipes, easy flavorful weeknight dinner - This image shows a close-up of a white pot filled with a creamy, cheesy rice dish. The dish has one main layer of cooked rice mixed with small pieces of chicken and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The rice looks soft and slightly orange-yellow from the cheese sauce that covers it evenly, with some melted cheese visible on top near the edges. A black spoon lifted by a woman's hand holds a scoop of the rice mixture in the center of the pot. The background shows a blurred white bowl with chopped red tomatoes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a perfect balance between simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create that irresistible creamy queso flavor you crave. I always recommend buying a good quality salsa for the best taste—it really shines here.

Chicken breast: Cubed chicken cooks quickly and stays tender, soaking up all the flavors around it.
Olive oil & butter: A combo of both adds richness while giving the chicken a nice sear.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens with the chicken.
Long grain white rice: Holds its shape and absorbs the sauce without turning mushy.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best here for that punch of aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth: The base for cooking the rice and infusing savory flavor throughout.
Salsa: Adds a subtle tanginess and a touch of spice that brightens the whole dish.
Ground cumin & chili powder: Classic Tex-Mex spices that layer in warmth and depth.
Heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture that makes this recipe so comforting.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy bliss—mark my words, this is the star!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe is how flexible it is. I often switch up the heat levels or swap veggies depending on what’s on hand—and trust me, it still turns out amazing every time!

Go Spicier: I like adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños when I want more kick, and it totally transforms the dish.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some corn, diced bell peppers, or black beans for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy but allergy-friendly.
Protein Swaps: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you’re in a hurry—just skip the searing step.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Get that chicken browned

Start by cubing your chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch chunks are perfect. Heat up olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chicken, along with salt and pepper, then let it cook undisturbed for a couple minutes before stirring. Browning the chicken develops flavor—you want it lightly golden, not cooked through yet, so about 5 minutes total. This initial sear is one of those small things that really lifts the dish.

Step 2: Sauté onions until soft and translucent

Add diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often so it softens but doesn’t brown. Those sweet, tender onions add so much to the final depth of flavor. Once softened, scoop the chicken and onions out and set aside for a moment.

Step 3: Toast the garlic and rice

In the same pot, drop in your rice and minced garlic. Keep that heat medium and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. This step adds a wonderful nutty undertone and helps keep the rice from getting mushy later.

Step 4: Add liquids & spices and simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and your favorite jar of salsa, then stir in cumin and chili powder. Give everything a good mix so those spices are evenly distributed. Bring the whole pot to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—it’s tempting, but trust me, the steam does wonders here for fluffy rice.

Step 5: Stir in cream, cheese, and chicken mixture

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream and two cups of shredded cheddar cheese—this is where the creamy queso magic happens. Next, add back the cooked chicken and onions, folding everything until the cheese is melted and combined. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again for 2-3 minutes to let it melt, then you’re ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: It adds essential flavor and texture, so be patient and let it brown well before stirring.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This prevents the rice from burning or sticking while cooking low and slow.
Choose a Salsa You Love: Since salsa is a key player here, a quality one really makes a difference in taste.
Avoid Lifting the Lid Too Often: Keep the heat stable and steam trapped to cook your rice perfectly fluffy.

How to Serve One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I love toppling this dish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Some diced avocado or slices of jalapeño add a lovely creamy or spicy contrast. If you want more texture, crushed tortilla chips scattered on top bring a fun crunch that everyone raves about!

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is a meal in itself, I keep sides light—simple green salads or roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini complement the richness beautifully. Sometimes I whip up a quick guacamole or serve with warm corn tortillas to scoop it all up like a fiesta on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or potlucks, I like to bake this casserole-style—after stirring it altogether, transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden on top. It looks impressive and stays warm longer for buffet-style serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool a bit before covering and popping it in, and it tastes just as good warmed up for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream and cheese, as dairy can sometimes separate. Just freeze the cooked chicken, rice, and salsa mixture, and when ready to eat, thaw and add cream and cheese during reheating. It helps keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe?

Brown rice can definitely be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend pre-cooking or soaking the brown rice beforehand to help it cook thoroughly with the chicken broth and salsa. Otherwise, the texture might be a bit chewy.
Is it okay to use shredded rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just skip browning the chicken and add the shredded meat at the end with the cream and cheese. It saves time and adds a nice seasoned depth from the rotisserie spices.
How spicy is this One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe?

This recipe is mildly spiced, thanks to the chili powder and cumin, so it’s very approachable for kids and those sensitive to heat. You can always add jalapeños or cayenne for extra spice as you like.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or another dairy-free creamer, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy and cheesy without dairy. The dish will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for busy nights when I want to impress without stress. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in all the best ways. Whether you stick to the classic version or make it your own with toppings and twists, I know you’ll love how simple and delicious it is. Give it a try and surprise your family with a new favorite—you won’t regret it!