Creamy Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish features tender chicken breast paired with flavorful saffron yellow rice and creamy white queso. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that’s both easy to make and full of rich, satisfying flavors.

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with a base layer of orange rice mixed with small pieces of red tomato. On top of the rice is a layer of cooked chicken chunks covered with melted yellow cheese that looks creamy and slightly stretchy. Scattered across the cheese and chicken are small green bits of avocado and fresh cilantro leaves, adding bright green color and texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 oz white queso
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning
  • 10 oz saffron yellow rice
  • 1 cube tomato bouillon
  • 2½ cups water
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels if needed. Season thoroughly with adobo seasoning on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken breasts until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
  3. Step 3: Add saffron yellow rice, water, and the tomato bouillon cube to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender.
  5. Step 5: When the rice is fully cooked, stir in the white queso and milk. Fluff gently with a fork to combine all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Serve the dish warm, ensuring each portion has chicken, rice, and creamy queso.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in adobo seasoning and a squeeze of lime for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Substitute white queso with shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese texture.
  • Add diced bell peppers or onions when sautéing the chicken to incorporate more vegetables.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dark bowl filled with orange-colored rice mixed with small red pieces, topped with chunks of light brown chicken covered in melted yellow cheese and small green dollops, garnished with chopped fresh green herbs scattered on top, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice can be used, but adjust the water amount and simmer time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable bouillon instead of tomato chicken bouillon.

Print

Creamy Chicken Recipe

This flavorful Mexican-inspired dish features tender chicken breast sautéed to golden perfection and simmered with saffron yellow rice and tomato bouillon for a rich, aromatic base. Finished with creamy white queso and a splash of milk, this one-pan recipe offers a comforting blend of textures and tastes that make it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

  • Author: liam
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast
  • 1 tsp adobo seasoning
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Cooking spray (as needed)

Rice and Broth

  • 10 oz saffron yellow rice
  • 1 cube tomato bouillon
  • 2½ cups water

Dairy and Finishing

  • 3 oz white queso
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels if needed. Season the chicken thoroughly with adobo seasoning, ensuring all sides are evenly coated for a flavorful base.
  2. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sauté for about 3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is well browned.
  3. Add Rice And Bouillon: To the same skillet, add the saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube. Stir all ingredients together to combine evenly and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. Check the rice near the end to ensure it is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Add Queso And Milk: After the rice is cooked, stir in the white queso and milk. Fluff the mixture with a fork to incorporate the creamy cheese evenly throughout the dish.
  6. Serve: Serve the dish warm, making sure each plate has a good portion of chicken, saffron rice, and the creamy queso mixture for a well-balanced meal.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps the adobo adhere better and ensures a nice sear.
  • If white queso is unavailable, substitute with a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack for similar creaminess.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt or extra adobo based on personal taste preference.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Mexican chicken, saffron rice, adobo seasoning, creamy queso, one-pan dinner, easy Mexican recipes

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