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Throw together this Single Pot Cheesy Chicken with Rice when you need a quick meal that's a hit with everyone. Combine chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese sauce in just one pot. It's just what you need on hectic evenings when washing tons of dishes isn't on your agenda.
Benefits of This Dish
Using just one pot means cleanup's a breeze. The whole thing's ready in around 30 minutes - perfect for your crazy schedule. The cheese sauce wins kids over while adults appreciate how substantial it feels. You can tweak the seasonings for a milder or spicier version. The amazing aroma fills your kitchen while it cooks, and the flavor's even more impressive.
Ingredients List
- Chicken Breast: Chopped into small chunks
- Olive Oil: 2 spoons for sautéing
- Garlic Powder: 1 spoon
- Onion Powder: 1 spoon
- Cumin: 1/2 spoon
- Salt: Generous pinch
- Black Pepper: According to preference
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Nacho Cheese: 1 jar
- Rotel: 1 can, drained
- White Rice: 1 cup, uncooked
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Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces roughly quarter-sized. This helps them cook more quickly.
- Warm the pan:
- Add oil to a large pan that has a lid. Set heat to medium-high.
- Add spices to chicken:
- Combine garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper. Coat chicken thoroughly. Make sure every piece gets covered with spices.
- Brown the chicken:
- Add chicken to heated pan. Cook until no longer pink inside - around 5 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
- Drain if needed:
- If liquid accumulates, drain it away. Keep the chicken in the pan.
- Add liquid ingredients:
- Pour in broth, cheese sauce, and Rotel. Wait for mixture to start bubbling.
- Incorporate rice:
- Add rice and mix thoroughly. Cover with lid firmly.
- Allow to simmer:
- Reduce heat to low. Let cook for 20-25 minutes. Keep lid closed to trap steam for rice cooking.
- Test doneness:
- Sample rice for tenderness. All liquid should be absorbed.
- Add toppings:
- Garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, or avocado if desired.
Single Pot Advantages
Fewer dishes means you can enjoy dinner sooner. When everything cooks together, the flavors blend wonderfully. Your chicken stays moist while the rice absorbs all that cheesy goodness. It's exactly what you want when you're rushed and don't feel like dealing with kitchen chaos.
Selecting Quality Chicken
Go for breast meat as it stays soft if you watch your cooking time. Cut all pieces uniformly so they finish at the same time. Remove any tough white bits before cooking. Some people prefer thighs since they're juicier, but remember they'll need extra cooking time.
Cheese Sauce Tips
The nacho cheese creates that creamy texture. You'll find it in the chips section at your grocery store. Want a smoother sauce? Warm it slightly beforehand. Craving extra cheesiness? Throw in a handful of shredded cheese at the final stage. Many folks enjoy mixing two different cheese sauce varieties.
Perfecting Your Rice
Standard white rice works better than instant varieties. Your rice needs to absorb all the liquid to cook properly. Don't lift the lid during cooking or you'll let precious steam escape. If your rice isn't tender enough, add a splash of hot broth and cook another 5 minutes.
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Customization Options
Want some heat? Try hot Rotel or toss in some jalapenos. Need more flavor punch? Add some chili powder. Prefer it tamer? Go with mild Rotel and skip the pepper. Many people toss in corn or black beans too. This dish makes fantastic leftovers just add a bit of milk when you reheat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I swap in brown rice?
Absolutely, just keep in mind it takes longer to cook - about 45 minutes instead of 20. Add an extra 1/2 cup of liquid to keep it from drying out. Want a shortcut? Soak the brown rice for 30 minutes to help it cook faster or microwave it for 10 minutes before adding to the pot. Quick-cooking brown rice works too but use less liquid. Whole grain, slightly chewy, but still delicious!
- → What substitutions work to make it vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken! Two cans of drained chickpeas work wonderfully, or use firm tofu cubes (give them a quick pan-fry first for texture). Mushrooms are another great option - slice up about a pound. Switch to veggie broth instead of chicken broth. Want more protein? Add black beans. You can even throw in extra veggies like sweet peppers or corn for more variety.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Start with the cheese sauce - some brands might use wheat for thickening, so double-check. Same for Rotel tomatoes, but most of those are gluten-free. Rice is naturally fine, but if you're making your cheese sauce from scratch, swap flour with cornstarch. Many brands carry gluten-free queso dip too. Always read labels carefully to be safe when cooking for someone avoiding gluten.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool it down completely first. Store in a sealed container in the fridge, and it'll last about three days. The rice might soak up the sauce, so stir in a touch of milk when reheating. Heat gently and stir to avoid stringy cheese. Portioning it out beforehand is great for grab-and-go meals. Freezing isn't ideal since dairy gets weird. Thick leftovers? Add a splash of warm broth to loosen it up.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
You can do a little prep ahead of time: chop the chicken, measure out the dry ingredients, and have everything ready to go. But don't cook it fully ahead - the rice turns mushy, and the cheese sauce might separate. For a fast dinner, try pre-cut chicken and microwaveable rice packs. Pre-mixing the seasonings is a good time saver, too. Cook fresh for max flavor and texture.
Conclusion
If this is a hit, try Spanish-style chicken and rice with smoky spices next time! Or give jambalaya a go for a spicy twist. They're all quick, easy, and cooked in one pot.