Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Introducing the mouthwatering “Chicken Cheese and Rice” recipe – a delightful fusion of flavors that will elevate your weeknight dinner routine. This vibrant one-skillet dish combines tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, and a savory blend of Mexican spices, all simmered to perfection in a rich tomato and green chili broth. The star of the show? A decadent drizzle of creamy white queso cheese that ties everything together in a symphony of taste and texture.

Crafted with busy families and food enthusiasts in mind, this 30-minute masterpiece strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness. Whether you choose to enjoy it in a bowl, wrapped in a tortilla, or paired with crispy tortilla chips, each bite promises a satisfying experience that lingers on the palate. As someone who has fine-tuned this recipe to perfection, I can attest that the secret lies in the precise rice-to-liquid ratio and the art of toasting the rice for that extra depth of flavor.

From neighborhood gatherings to cozy family dinners, this versatile dish has earned its place as a go-to favorite, leaving diners reaching for seconds and thirds. With customizable options to suit every taste preference, from adding beans or veggies to exploring different protein choices, you can make this recipe your own while savoring the comforting essence of a homemade meal made easy. So, indulge in the magic of “Chicken Cheese and Rice” and let its warm, cheesy embrace bring joy to your kitchen table time and time again.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight meal
• Versatile: Can be enjoyed in a bowl, wrapped in a tortilla, or scooped with chips
• Budget-Friendly: Helps in keeping grocery budgets under control while serving a hungry family
• Meal Prep Friendly: Can be stored for up to 4 days and reheated easily, making it a great meal-prep option

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Profile: The blend of Mexican spices like cumin, cilantro, chili powder, and garlic creates a robust and satisfying taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in a bowl, wrapped in a tortilla, or scooped with crispy chips, catering to different preferences and occasions.
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding hungry families or impressing guests at gatherings with its comforting and flavorful appeal.
• Easy Cleanup and Budget-Friendly: A one-skillet wonder that minimizes cleanup effort while being mindful of grocery budgets.
• Proven Recipe Results: The detailed instructions ensure consistent and delicious results every time, making it a reliable go-to dish.
• Customizable for Different Tastes: Easily adapt the recipe by adding beans, vegetables, or swapping proteins to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Ideal for meal prepping as it can be stored for up to 4 days and reheated with minimal effort, maintaining its deliciousness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Can be frozen for up to 2 months, providing a convenient make-ahead option for busy days.
• Homemade Comfort with Minimal Effort: Reclaim the joy of homemade meals on busy schedules without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Decadent Creamy Finish: The drizzle of white queso elevates the dish, adding a creamy, indulgent touch that enhances the overall dining experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

For the Chicken and Rice

• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 10 oz can Rotel
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken (breast or thighs), cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Topping

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• White queso cheese dip (store-bought or homemade)

For Serving (Optional)

• Taco sauce or Pico de Gallo
• Flour tortillas
• Tortilla chips

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Cut chicken into small pieces. Heat butter in a skillet, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook until chicken is done, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Move the cooked chicken to the sides of the skillet. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil in the center and add the rinsed rice. Stir the rice for a few minutes to lightly toast it.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Combine Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth in the skillet. Stir in the chicken. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Top and Serve

After cooking the rice, top it with white queso cheese dip and fresh cilantro. Serve in warm flour tortillas or with tortilla chips, and add taco sauce or Pico de Gallo on top.

Storage Tips

After preparing the chicken cheese and rice dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to 4 days, ensuring you have delicious ready-made meals on hand. When reheating, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to help restore the rice’s moisture. For optimal texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes and then top with fresh queso for a creamy finish.

If you want to freeze the chicken cheese and rice for later consumption, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the rice may become slightly softer upon thawing. This dish is a great option for meal prepping, offering convenience and versatility for busy schedules. Whether enjoying it fresh or as a reheated meal, the combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch up the protein in this dish, you can easily substitute the chicken with diced pork loin or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can opt for plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh, seasoned and cooked in a similar style to the chicken.

For a lactose-free or vegan-friendly version, you can replace the white queso cheese dip with a dairy-free alternative like cashew or almond-based cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you prefer a different cheese topping, you can swap the white queso for a sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any other melting cheese of your choice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion with the Chicken Cheese and Rice dish, consider setting up a build-your-own bowl or burrito bar. Lay out bowls of the cooked chicken, rice, white queso cheese dip, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and taco sauce or Pico de Gallo. Let your guests customize their bowls or burritos with their favorite toppings to create a personalized Tex-Mex experience.

Another creative idea is to use the Chicken Cheese and Rice mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the chicken, rice, and cheese mixture. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Top with extra cheese and cilantro before serving for a colorful and flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option or with shrimp for a coastal Mexican twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can skip the chicken and add drained black beans or pinto beans during the final two minutes of cooking. You can also sauté diced bell peppers and onions alongside the rice for added flavor and texture.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to restore the rice’s moisture. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes and top with fresh queso. Note that the rice may be slightly softer after freezing for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of queso?

If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute the white queso with a shredded Mexican blend for a stringy, melted cheese topping rather than a creamy sauce. Adjust the amount based on your preference for cheesiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken Cheese and Rice is a versatile and comforting dish that hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it in a bowl, wrapped in a tortilla, or scooped up with some crispy chips, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The blend of savory chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy queso cheese creates a culinary experience that is both delicious and easy to make.

I hope you give this Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe a try and enjoy the process of creating a flavorful meal that brings everyone together at the table. Don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own. Remember, cooking is an art, and every dish you create is a reflection of your unique taste and style. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Chicken Cheese and Rice unfold in your kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

“Easy Chicken Cheese and Rice: A rich, one-skillet Tex-Mex marvel with seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a decadent white queso drizzle, perfect for a satisfying family meal.”

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Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 10 oz can Rotel
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken (breast or thighs), cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Topping

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• White queso cheese dip (store-bought or homemade)

For Serving (Optional)

• Taco sauce or Pico de Gallo
• Flour tortillas
• Tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: 1. Cut chicken into small pieces. Heat butter in a skillet, add chicken, season with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder. Cook until chicken is done, stirring occasionally.
2. Toast the Rice: Move the cooked chicken to the sides of the skillet. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil in the center and add the rinsed rice. Stir the rice for a few minutes to lightly toast it.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer: Combine Rotel, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth in the skillet. Stir in the chicken. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
4. Top and Serve: After cooking the rice, top it with white queso cheese dip and fresh cilantro. Serve in warm flour tortillas or with tortilla chips, and add taco sauce or Pico de Gallo on top.