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Creamy Queso Chicken and Rice Bake

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A rich, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and cheesy queso sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain or basmati white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup queso cheese sauce
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir the rice into the skillet with the veggies, coating it in the oil and spices. Pour in the chicken broth and salsa, stirring to combine.
  5. Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the rice mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
  6. Pour the queso cheese sauce over the chicken and rice, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
  7. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced green onions.

Notes

[‘Properly season the chicken to enhance flavor.’, ‘Use high-quality queso sauce for the best taste.’, ‘Check the rice for doneness before the cooking time is up and add more chicken broth if needed.’, ‘Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.’, ‘Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Queso Chicken, Rice Bake, Mexican Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, One-Pan Recipe

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/creamy-queso-chicken-and-rice-bake-recipe-youll-love/