The irresistible combination of chicken cheese and rice in a Mexican recipe will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. Each bite delivers a comforting blend of flavors that warms the soul.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends; it always brings back memories of laughter and shared moments. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe offers delightful flavors with minimal effort
- The vibrant colors and cheesy goodness make it a feast for the eyes
- Perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- This dish is incredibly versatile—feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices!
Sharing this meal with friends turned out to be a memorable evening filled with laughter and compliments.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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White Rice: Use long-grain white rice for fluffy texture that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
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Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla adds creaminess and richness.
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Fresh Salsa: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade salsa; it adds a zingy kick!
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Chicken Broth: This enhances flavor; opt for low-sodium to control saltiness.
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Bell Peppers: A colorful addition that boosts nutrition and flavor; use red, yellow, or green as you prefer.
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Onion: Chopped onions provide sweetness when sautéed, adding depth to the dish.
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Cumin Powder: This spice brings warmth and a hint of earthiness to your dish.
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Olive Oil: Use this for sautéing vegetables; it brings out their natural flavors beautifully.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all other flavors in the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your bell peppers and onions into small pieces. Pre-measure your rice, broth, and cheese so everything is ready to go.
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Chicken and Spices: Toss in diced chicken breasts along with cumin powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
Combine Rice & Broth: Stir in rice followed by chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender and fluffy.
Add Salsa & Cheese : Once cooked, gently fold in salsa and half of your cheese blend. Allow it to melt into the mixture for that creamy goodness!
Serve & Enjoy : Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls. Top each serving with remaining cheese, then watch as it melts into gooey perfection—enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience
- It combines comforting flavors that warm the soul
- You can mix and match ingredients based on what you love or have at home, making it perfect for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the rice while preparing the cheesy sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency, ensuring everything is perfectly timed for a delicious dinner.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition. You can even experiment with different types of cheese to make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop for best texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a rich flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before cooking
- Using fresh ingredients always elevates the dish significantly
- Make sure to taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can make all the difference!
The first time I made this chicken cheese and rice Mexican recipe, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it; they still remind me of that glorious dinner!
FAQ
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses add great flavor and melt beautifully.
Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Absolutely! Just shred it and mix it in when preparing your cheesy rice mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This dish stores well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping!

Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Chicken Cheese and Rice Mexican dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. With tender chicken, melty cheese, and fluffy rice, every bite is a delightful experience. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this easy recipe invites creativity—customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a personalized touch!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping the bell pepper and onion into small pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add diced chicken breasts and cumin powder; cook until the chicken is no longer pink (6-8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fold in salsa and half of the cheese blend until melted. Serve topped with remaining cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg