This baked queso chicken and rice dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy queso for a satisfying meal. It’s a one-pan recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and basic cooking techniques. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to enhance the flavor.
Overview of Baked Queso Chicken and Rice
This baked queso chicken and rice dish brings together tender chicken breasts and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy queso cheese sauce.
It’s a delightful combination that promises a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan recipe simplifies dinner preparation while delivering a hearty and flavorful experience.
Ingredients That Shine
The key ingredients in this dish include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, uncooked white rice, and a rich queso cheese sauce.
Complemented by black beans and corn, the dish not only offers a creamy texture but also a burst of color and nutrition.
Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delight.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Start by preheating the oven and combining the rice with chicken broth and seasonings in a large baking dish.
Layer the chicken breasts on top, pour over the queso sauce, and let the oven do the work.
Cooking Process
Once everything is assembled, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake.
This method ensures the chicken remains juicy while the rice absorbs all the flavors.
After the initial baking time, removing the foil allows the top to get a slight golden hue, enhancing both the texture and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that complements the creamy queso.
Pair it with a colorful salad on the side for a complete meal that is both inviting and hearty.
Nutritional Benefits
This baked queso chicken and rice dish serves four and is packed with protein and essential nutrients.
With approximately 450 calories per serving, it provides a balanced meal option that satisfies without overwhelming.
The combination of chicken, rice, and beans ensures a good mix of carbohydrates and protein, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners.
Simple Baked Queso Chicken and Rice
This dish features chicken breasts baked with rice and a rich queso sauce, creating a deliciously creamy and cheesy flavor. The recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Rice: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper.
- Add Queso: Pour the queso cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Once done, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g