Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken

Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken is a comforting meal that combines tender grilled chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce for a dinner that feels both special and familiar. The rice is simmered with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic spices to create a fragrant bed for the juicy chicken that is perfectly spiced with cumin, chili powder, and sazon seasoning. The finishing touch is a luscious queso blanco cheese sauce made with Velveeta, pepper jack, and mild green chiles that melts beautifully over the top. This dish works wonderfully as a hearty main course or can be wrapped in warm tortillas for a cozy meal that the whole family will love.

I first made this when my kids begged for their favorite restaurant meal at home and now the cheesy rice aroma instantly has everyone running to the table

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: which holds its shape and stays fluffy like Basmati
• Cooking oil: preferably avocado, for a slightly nutty flavor and high smoke point
• Yellow onion: diced finely to add sweetness and texture
• Fresh garlic cloves: minced for deep fresh flavor
• Sazon seasoning: for authentic Latin color and taste choose one without MSG if you prefer
• Chicken flavored bouillon: to boost umami flavor, pick a good brand for best results
• Tomato sauce: for body and a subtle tang opt for low sodium if you want to control saltiness
• Water: filtered if possible for fluffy light rice
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: thighs are juicier while breasts stay tender if cooked right pick fresh chicken
• Butter: for richness and added flavor in cooking the chicken
• Garlic powder and onion powder: for extra seasoning layers
• Chili powder and cumin: add warmth and smokiness essential to Tex Mex flavor
• Salt and pepper: use kosher or sea salt to perfectly balance flavors
• Evaporated milk: makes the cheese sauce creamy, check freshness before using
• Queso Blanco Velveeta: provides smooth melt and classic restaurant style sauce adjust quantity to taste
• Diced green chiles: canned for mild zing drain excess liquid
• Grated pepper jack cheese: for added melty richness grate fresh for best results

Instructions

Toast the Rice:

Add the rice to a skillet with oil heated over mediumhigh heat. Stir continuously for about three to four minutes until the grains turn lightly golden and become aromatic. This step builds a rich nutty flavor which elevates the entire dish.

Add Aromatics:

Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for two to three minutes until onions start turning translucent and the kitchen fills with a lovely savory aroma. This lays down the flavor foundation.

Season and Simmer:

Add the sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and water to the pan. Stir gently and bring everything to a rolling boil. Cover tightly with a lid, reduce the heat all the way down, and let it simmer untouched for fifteen minutes. Keeping the lid on ensures perfectly steamed, fluffy rice.

Let Rest:

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit covered for another fifteen minutes. This gentle resting period helps the rice stay fluffy and prevents it from sticking. Do not stir until the resting time is up.

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice the raw chicken into very thin strips so it cooks quickly and evenly. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat, then toss in the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, sazon seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken, stirring often. Cook for four to five minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has a light golden brown color.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Combine the evaporated milk, queso blanco Velveeta, diced green chiles, and grated pepper jack cheese in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly as the cheese melts slowly into a creamy, thick sauce. Remove from heat and let it thicken slightly as it cools for a few minutes.

Build the Plate:

Fluff the rice gently with a fork then scoop it onto plates. Top the rice with hot sliced chicken and generously drizzle the rich cheese sauce over everything. For an extra restaurant quality experience, serve with a side of warm tortillas.

My favorite part is always the pepper jack cheese because of the little kick it adds and I always think of how my daughter would sneak extra shredded cheese just to snack while waiting for dinner. The sizzle and scent of onion and cumin in the pan is pure memory of Sunday cooking with my whole family bustling around

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in airtight containers. Keep the rice and chicken separate from the cheese sauce to preserve texture and flavor. Stored in the fridge, the components last three to four days. The cheese sauce may thicken while chilled but add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Brown rice works well if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Chicken thighs offer richer, juicier bites compared to breasts. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can replace queso blanco if needed. You can swap sazon seasoning for a homemade blend of coriander, cumin, and achiote powder for a fresh twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Arroz Con Pollo as is or brighten it up with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Warm flour or corn tortillas make excellent accompaniments for wraps or scooping. Adding a crunchy salad or refried beans on the side makes the meal even heartier.

This cheesy Arroz Con Pollo is a crowd pleasing weeknight dinner that reheats well. Adjust the spice and cheese to make it perfect for your family.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can chicken thighs be used instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs provide a juicier and richer flavor variation while keeping the dish tender.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long grain white rice like Basmati holds its shape and becomes fluffy, absorbing the spices and tomato well.

→ How can I make the cheese sauce smoother?

Constantly stir the cheese sauce over medium heat, allowing all cheeses to melt gradually into the evaporated milk for a creamy texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Prepare the components separately, store them properly, and assemble when ready to preserve texture and freshness.

→ Can tortillas be served alongside?

Warm flour or corn tortillas complement the dish perfectly, ideal for scooping or wrapping the chicken and rice layers.

→ What’s the key to fluffy rice?

After simmering, let the rice rest covered off the heat without stirring. This allows grains to steam and separate for a light texture.