06/02/2026
🌮🍗 Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Rice Bowl with Queso Drizzle
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~680 kcal per serving
🛒 Ingredients
🍗 For the Chicken
🍗 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips (as shown)
🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
🌶️ 1 tsp chili powder
🌶️ 1 tsp paprika
🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
🧅 1 tsp onion powder
🧂 1 tsp salt
⚫ ½ tsp black pepper
🍚 For the Mexican Rice
🍚 2 cups cooked long-grain rice
🍅 1 tbsp tomato paste
🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
🥣 ½ cup chicken broth
🌶️ ½ tsp chili powder
🧀 For the Queso Cheese Sauce
🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
🧀 ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
🥛 ¾ cup whole milk
🌽 1 tsp cornstarch
🌶️ Pinch of cayenne pepper
🧀 For the Cheesy Rice Side
🍚 1 cup cooked rice
🧀 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
🥛 2 tbsp milk
🍅 Fresh Pico de Gallo
🍅 2 medium tomatoes, diced
🧅 ¼ cup onion, finely diced
🌿 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
🍋 1 tbsp lime juice
🧂 Pinch of salt
👩🍳 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 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Mexican rice. Sauté 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.
💡 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.