One Pan Happy Plate (Queso Chicken & Rice)

A comforting, cheesy, protein-packed one-pan meal—easy, budget-friendly, and super satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Main

2 chicken breasts (or 4 thighs), cubed
1 cup uncooked rice (long grain or basmati)
2 cups chicken broth

Flavor Base

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Queso Sauce

1 cup milk (or light cream)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder
Salt & black pepper to taste

Extras (Optional)

½ cup corn
½ cup diced bell peppers
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions (One Pan Method)

Sear the chicken
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add chicken, season with salt/pepper.
- Cook 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Build the base
- In the same pan, sauté onion + garlic (2–3 minutes).
Add rice
- Stir in uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
Cook
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the pan.
- Cover and simmer 15 minutes (until rice is tender).
Make it queso
- Lower heat, add milk + cheeses + spices.
- Stir until creamy and melted.
Finish
- Add optional veggies.
- Cook 2–3 more minutes until everything is creamy and combined.

Nutrition (Per Serving Approx.)

Calories: 450–550
Protein: 30–40g 💪
Carbs: 40–50g
Fat: 18–25g
Fiber: 2–4g

Tips for Best Results

Use freshly shredded cheese (melts better)
Don’t overcook rice—keep it fluffy, not mushy
Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick
For extra spice: add jalapeños or hot sauce 🌶️

Variations

Low-carb version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Spicy queso: Add green chilies
Healthy swap: Use brown rice + low-fat cheese
Extra protein: Add beans or extra chicken

Q&A

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but texture may change slightly due to cheese. Reheat with a splash of milk.

What pan works best?

A large non-stick skillet or deep pan with a lid.

How do I reheat?

Microwave or stovetop with a little milk or broth to keep it creamy.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes—just reduce broth and add rice at the queso stage.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.