06/02/2026
๐ฎ๐ Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Rice Bowl with Queso Drizzle
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~680 kcal per serving
๐ Ingredients
๐ For the Chicken
๐ 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips (as shown)
๐ซ 1 tbsp olive oil
๐ถ๏ธ 1 tsp chili powder
๐ถ๏ธ 1 tsp paprika
๐ง 1 tsp garlic powder
๐ง
1 tsp onion powder
๐ง 1 tsp salt
โซ ยฝ tsp black pepper
๐ For the Mexican Rice
๐ 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
๐
1 tbsp tomato paste
๐ง 1 garlic clove, minced
๐ซ 1 tbsp olive oil
๐ฅฃ ยฝ cup chicken broth
๐ถ๏ธ ยฝ tsp chili powder
๐ง For the Queso Cheese Sauce
๐ง 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
๐ง ยฝ cup Monterey Jack cheese
๐ฅ ยพ cup whole milk
๐ฝ 1 tsp cornstarch
๐ถ๏ธ Pinch of cayenne pepper
๐ง For the Cheesy Rice Side
๐ 1 cup cooked rice
๐ง 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
๐ฅ 2 tbsp milk
๐
Fresh Pico de Gallo
๐
2 medium tomatoes, diced
๐ง
ยผ cup onion, finely diced
๐ฟ 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
๐ 1 tbsp lime juice
๐ง Pinch of salt
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
Prepare the pico de gallo. Mix diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Season the chicken. Toss chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5โ6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Make the Mexican rice. Sautรฉ garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and chili powder. Add cooked rice and chicken broth, stirring until evenly coated and heated through.
Prepare the queso sauce. Whisk milk and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add cayenne if desired.
Make the cheesy rice. Combine hot cooked rice, shredded cheese blend, and milk. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy side dish.
Assemble the bowl. Spoon Mexican rice into bowls. Arrange sliced chicken on top and drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Finish and serve. Add a scoop of cheesy rice and fresh pico de gallo alongside. Serve immediately.
๐ก Notes & Variations
Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
Pepper Jack cheese makes the queso spicier.
Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a juicier result.
A drizzle of hot sauce adds restaurant-style flavor.