Go Back
–+ servings

One Pan Crazy Chicken and Rice with Cheese

A delicious and convenient dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy cheese, all cooked in one pan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper

For the Rice

  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup yellow onion, finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup queso blanco dip

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Toss the chicken cubes with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until they are fully coated.
  • Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until it has a dark, mahogany crust.
  • Remove the chicken from the pan (it won’t be fully cooked yet). Add the minced onion and garlic to the leftover oil and stir for 2 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 3 minutes until the grains look opaque and smell like popcorn.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and fire-roasted tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to release the fond (the brown bits).
  • Return the chicken to the pan. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover the pan tightly with a lid. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • Turn off the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and pour the queso blanco over the top until it melts into a velvety glaze.

Notes

Serve hot straight from the pan. It’s great on its own but can be paired with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. To store leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Recipe, One Pan Meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!