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A delicious one-pan chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese, sour cream, salsa, and green onions, perfect for 5-Ingredient Dinner Ideas.

One Pan Happy Plate (Queso Chicken and Rice)

This one pan happy plate is a Mexican-inspired queso chicken and rice dish that really does make everyone happy. Simmered in a skillet, and topped with warm queso and taco toppings, this is an easy, family-friendly dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 354
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or to taste
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 yellow or white onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning such as Old El Paso
  • 2.75 cups water or as needed
  • 1 cup prepared queso dip
For topping (optional)
  • 1 green onions chopped
  • 1 pico de gallo
  • 1 guacamole
  • 1 cilantro
  • 1 jalapeños sliced

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • microwave-safe bowl

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, undisturbed, until browned on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes (chicken will not be fully cooked at this point).
  2. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften. Add butter and allow it to melt. Add rice and cook, stirring, until rice is coated and lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
  3. Add water and stir until everything is well combined, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil. Stir once more and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  4. Warm queso in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Top chicken and rice with queso and serve immediately with desired toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 19gFat: 18g

Notes

This recipe is designed for busy individuals and families looking for simple, delicious, and reliable dinner solutions. It uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps to create a satisfying meal without the stress.

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