Chicken Cheese and Rice

Chicken Cheese and Rice is an easy 30-minute dinner recipe the whole family loves. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Whether you serve it in flour tortillas or scoop it up with tortilla chips, its bold flavors and comforting texture make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: A delicious meal that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in tortillas or as a dip with chips.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of spices and creamy queso creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Easily Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Cheese and Rice, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Lid for skillet

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet: Ideal for even cooking of chicken and rice.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for preparing your chicken quickly and safely.
• Measuring spoons: Help ensure accurate seasoning for perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken
– 2 TBSP butter
– 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne
– 1 tsp each of cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder
– 1 TBSP of minced garlic
– 10 oz can of Rotel
– 8 oz can of tomato sauce
– 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of long grain white rice (uncooked and rinsed)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– White Queso Cheese Dip (any store bought or homemade queso will work)
– Fresh Cilantro for topping

How to Make Chicken Cheese and Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into small pieces. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, black pepper, and chili powder to the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. Move the chicken pieces to the edges of the skillet to create space.

Step 4: Add Rice

Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the uncooked rice. Stir everything around for a couple of minutes to combine.

Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Add Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.

Step 6: Cook Rice Mixture

Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 15–20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Step 7: Finish with Queso

Once the rice is cooked, top your dish with white queso cheese dip and sprinkle fresh cilantro over it.

Step 8: Serve

Serve this delightful dish warm in flour tortillas or enjoy scooped up with tortilla chips! You may like adding taco sauce or fresh Pico de Gallo as toppings.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Dig in and savor every bite of this comforting Chicken Cheese and Rice!

How to Serve Chicken Cheese and Rice

Chicken Cheese and Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it wrapped in tortillas or served with chips, this recipe can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences.

Flour Tortillas

• Wrap it up: Place a generous scoop of Chicken Cheese and Rice into a warm tortilla for a delicious handheld meal.
• Add toppings: Enhance the flavor with your favorite toppings like sour cream, taco sauce, or fresh salsa.

Tortilla Chips

• Scoop it up: Use crunchy tortilla chips to enjoy Chicken Cheese and Rice as a fun dip.
• Great for gatherings: This makes an ideal appetizer for parties or game nights.

Over a Bed of Greens

• Healthy twist: Serve the Chicken Cheese and Rice over fresh greens for a lighter meal option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in diced tomatoes, avocado, or corn for added texture and flavor.

In a Bowl

• Comfort food style: Simply serve the Chicken Cheese and Rice in bowls, allowing everyone to customize their dish.
• Top with cheese: Melt additional cheese on top for an extra indulgent experience.

How to Perfect Chicken Cheese and Rice

To ensure your Chicken Cheese and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with the spices! Adjust the seasonings to match your taste preferences for more depth of flavor.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and cilantro can elevate the dish significantly compared to dried options.
• Cook rice carefully: Make sure to cover the skillet while cooking so the rice absorbs all the flavorful broth.
• Check chicken doneness: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cheese and Rice

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Cheese and Rice can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice for a tangy treat.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that complements the flavors of Chicken Cheese and Rice perfectly; serve with chips or veggies.
3. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds protein and crunch.
4. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices offers a delightful contrast to your main dish.
5. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños enhances freshness and flavor.
6. Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with chili powder and lime bring an exciting kick alongside your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Chicken Cheese and Rice, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your cooking experience and the dish’s flavor.

• Overcooking the chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking can lead to dry meat.
• Neglecting to rinse the rice: Rinsing removes excess starch that can make your dish gummy. Take a minute to rinse for better texture.
• Not seasoning enough: Flavor is key! Make sure to evenly distribute spices throughout the chicken and rice for a well-rounded taste.
• Skipping the lid while cooking: Covering the skillet traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks properly. Don’t skip this step for perfect results.
• Using low-quality cheese dip: The cheese dip adds richness, so choose a good quality store-bought or homemade queso for the best flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken Cheese and Rice in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Cheese and Rice

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Chicken Cheese and Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Cheese and Rice?

Chicken Cheese and Rice is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken pieces, creamy cheese dip, and fluffy rice all in one dish.

How can I customize Chicken Cheese and Rice?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition. You can also adjust spice levels based on your preference.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! If using brown rice, remember it requires more cooking time. Adjust your broth quantity accordingly as well.

Is Chicken Cheese and Rice a good meal prep option?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prep for busy weeks ahead.

Conclusion

Chicken Cheese and Rice is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it in tortillas or enjoy it on its own with toppings like Pico de Gallo, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients!

---