Queso Chicken and Rice

This is a picture of a plate of veggies, rice and chicken topped with queso.

4.91 from 40 votes

Smothered with queso, this easy Queso Chicken and Rice uses just seven ingredients and is made with one dish. Chicken con queso is a flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole that is spicy, creamy, and cheesy, a weeknight dinner favorite.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 10

Total Time1 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: chicken

Servings: Servings

Calories: 430kcal

Ingredients

2 5.4oz packs Knorr Mexican Rice
14.5 oz regular or low-sodium chicken broth
16 oz Pace Picante Sauce or other smooth salsa
½ cup water
2-3 teaspoon taco seasoning
2 ½-3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts ½-inch thick
1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
½-3/4 cup queso blanco dip warmed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
To a 13”x9” baking dish, whisk together both Knorr rice packets, broth, salsa and water. Season chicken on both sides with taco seasoning. Place the chicken into the rice mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
Cover TIGHTLY with foil and bake 1 hour. Remove the foil, and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven, and drizzle warmed queso blanco dip on top.

Video

Notes

- Dark or white meat both work for the queso chicken and rice:
  - - If chicken tenderloins are used, they will likely only need a total cook time of 50 minutes covered plus 10 minutes uncovered.
  - - Boneless chicken breasts or thighs will need the 1 hour covered plus 10-15 minutes uncovered. If your chicken breast or thigh is thicker than ½-inch, flatten it with a mallet or cut them in half horizontally. The USDA-safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

- If you want to sear the seasoned chicken first, go ahead! Searing the chicken will give it a bit of caramelized flavor. Just adjust the covered oven cook time to 35 to 45 minutes.
- If you prefer a homemade taco seasoning, here is a substitute: 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ tablespoon cumin, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 14g