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Homemade Mexican Restaurant Chicken & Rice photo

Mexican Restaurant Chicken & Rice

A comforting, tomato-based Mexican-style chicken and rice topped with melted Queso Blanco for a creamy finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups long grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 16 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp con pollo seasoning (chicken bouillon)
  • 2-3 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • butter for melting
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1 lb Queso Blanco Velveeta cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • large saucepan with lid
  • Non-stick Skillet
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 2 cups long grain rice and cook, stirring, until the rice begins to turn golden and slightly toasted.
  3. Stir in the 16 oz tomato sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp con pollo seasoning; cook 1–2 minutes while stirring.
  4. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid and finish steaming.
  6. Meanwhile, melt 1 tbsp butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the bite-sized chicken pieces; season with salt, pepper, 1 tsp dried cilantro, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp cumin.
  7. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and tender, about 6–10 minutes depending on size.
  8. In a small saucepan, place the cubed 1 lb Queso Blanco Velveeta with 1/2 cup milk and 1 tbsp butter; heat on low, stirring, until smooth and melted.
  9. Serve a scoop of the tomato rice topped with the seasoned chicken and drizzle with the melted Queso Blanco sauce.

Notes

  • Use basmati or jasmine for best texture.
  • Stir rice occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust salt and spices to taste.
  • Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid separation.