Delicious Cheesy Mexican Rice and Chicken Recipe to Spice Up Your Dinner Routine

If you want to add a flavorful twist to your dinner, this cheesy Mexican rice with chicken recipe is a perfect choice. It combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with rich, cheesy rice that has a hint of spice. This dish is easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this recipe delivers bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will enjoy.

Cheesy Mexican rice with chicken served in a rustic bowl

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Mexican Rice

• 2 cups jasmine rice

• Avocado oil (for toasting rice)

• 4 cups water

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• 2 tbsp chicken bouillon

• 1 tbsp tomato bouillon

• 1 packet of sazon seasoning

• 1 jalapeno (whole, for simmering)

  
  

For the Chicken

• 6 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless recommended)

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Ground cumin

• Adobo seasoning

• Sazon seasoning

• Avocado oil (for cooking)

  
  

For the Spicy Queso Sauce

• 1 can evaporated milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup Velveeta cheese (cubed)

• 1 ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 4 oz diced fire-roasted green chiles

  
  

Step-by-Step Preparation

Toasting and Cooking the Mexican Rice

Start by heating a splash of avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the jasmine rice and toast it lightly, stirring frequently. Toast the rice until it turns a light golden brown. This step adds a nutty flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

Once toasted, pour in 4 cups of water, then add the tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, tomato bouillon, and the packet of sazon seasoning. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly. Place the whole jalapeno into the pot for a subtle heat infusion.

Cover the pan tightly with a layer of foil and then place the lid on top to seal in the steam. Let the rice simmer on low heat for 20 minutes without lifting the lid. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

After 20 minutes, remove the lid and foil, then fluff the rice gently with a fork. The rice should be tender and infused with the rich tomato and spice flavors.

Preparing the Seasoned Chicken

While the rice cooks, dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken in a bowl with enough avocado oil to coat it lightly. Season the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, adobo, and sazon seasoning. Mix well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, turning them to get an even sear on all sides. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside.

Making the Spicy Queso Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color.

Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add the cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese and Velveeta cubes. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Finally, fold in the diced fire-roasted green chiles. These add a smoky flavor and a bit of texture to the queso sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

• Combine the chicken and rice: Mix the cooked chicken into the fluffy Mexican rice for a one-pan meal that’s easy to serve.

• Top with spicy queso: Pour the warm queso sauce over the rice and chicken mixture for an extra layer of cheesy, spicy goodness.

• Add fresh toppings: Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado to brighten the dish.

• Serve with sides: Pair this meal with beans or warm tortillas for a complete Mexican-inspired dinner.

  
  

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances flavors and textures perfectly. The jasmine rice is light and fluffy, absorbing the tomato and spice blend. Toasting the rice adds depth, while the jalapeno gives a subtle heat without overpowering the dish. The chicken is seasoned with classic Mexican spices, creating a savory and aromatic protein component.

The spicy queso sauce ties everything together with creamy richness and a kick of cayenne. Using both cheddar and Velveeta cheeses ensures the sauce melts smoothly and has a satisfying texture. The fire-roasted green chiles add a smoky note that complements the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy Mexican rice with chicken recipe is a great way to bring bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table. It’s straightforward to make, uses accessible ingredients, and offers a satisfying meal that can please a crowd or serve as a hearty family dinner. Try this recipe when you want something different from your usual rice and chicken dishes. The combination of spices, cheese, and textures will make this a new favorite in your recipe collection.