Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken

Arroz Con Pollo with cheesy sauce is a comforting dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, flavorful seasoned rice, and a rich, creamy cheese topping. The rice cooks with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and warm spices for a fragrant foundation while the chicken is quickly seared with a blend of cumin, chili, and sazon for that classic Latin zest. The silky queso blanco sauce, made with Velveeta, pepper jack, and mild green chiles, lends a luscious finish that makes this meal feel like a cozy celebration. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this recipe blends simplicity with bold, satisfying flavors.

I first made this when my kids begged for their favorite restaurant meal at home. Now the cheesy rice aroma instantly means everyone comes running to the table.

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: Basmati holds its shape and stays fluffy, perfect for absorbing flavors
• Cooking oil: Avocado oil adds a slightly nutty note and resists burning for better texture
• Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and body that balances the savory elements
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for deep flavor, fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference
• Sazon seasoning: Adds classic Latin flavor and vibrant color, check labels if avoiding MSG
• Chicken flavored bouillon: Enhances umami richness, best to choose a high-quality brand
• Tomato sauce: Provides body and a gentle tang, low sodium preferred for controlled saltiness
• Water: Keeps the rice cooking fluffy and light, filtered water is ideal if available
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs are juicier, breasts stay tender if not overcooked choose fresh for best taste
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the chicken during cooking
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Layer extra savor and aroma
• Chili powder and cumin: Bring warmth and smokiness essential for Tex Mex flavor
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste
• Evaporated milk: Creates a super creamy cheese sauce, always check expiration dates
• Queso Blanco Velveeta: For smooth melt and classic restaurant-style cheese sauce, adjust to taste
• Diced green chilis: Canned and drained, add mild zing without overwhelming heat
• Grated pepper jack cheese: Melts into a creamy layer with a mild kick, grate yourself for best results

Instructions

Toast the Rice:

Add rice to a skillet with oil over mediumhigh heat. Stir constantly for about three to four minutes until the grains turn lightly golden and become aromatic. This step gives the final dish a rich, nutty flavor and improves texture.

Add Aromatics:

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for two to three minutes until the onions are translucent and the kitchen fills with a wonderful aroma. This builds a flavorful base for the rice.

Season and Simmer:

Add sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and water to the pan. Stir gently to combine. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then cover tightly with a lid. Reduce heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer undisturbed for fifteen minutes. Keeping the lid on is key to perfectly steamed, fluffy rice.

Let Rest:

Remove the skillet from the heat and keep it covered for another fifteen minutes. This resting time allows steam to finish cooking the rice gently, ensuring it remains fluffy and prevents sticking. Avoid opening the lid or stirring during this period.

Prepare the Chicken:

Slice raw chicken into very thin strips to speed up cooking. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the chicken, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, sazon seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for four to five minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and lightly browned on the edges.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Combine evaporated milk, queso blanco Velveeta, diced green chilis, and pepper jack cheese in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. The cheese should melt gradually into a creamy sauce. Once melted and smooth, 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 with the hot chicken strips and generously drizzle with the warm cheese sauce. For that authentic restaurant experience, serve with warm tortillas on the side.

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

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Keep the rice and chicken separate from the cheese sauce in airtight containers to maintain texture and freshness. Store in the fridge for three to four days. The cheese sauce may thicken when chilled but reheating with a splash of milk brings it back to creamy perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Brown rice can be used for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Chicken thighs give a richer, juicier bite compared to breasts. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheeses work well if you cannot find Queso Blanco. If sazon is unavailable, a homemade mix of coriander, cumin, and achiote powder is a good alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Arroz Con Pollo is delicious as is but can be brightened up with chopped fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes on top. Sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime add freshness. Warm flour or corn tortillas make it easy to scoop or wrap, and serving with a crunchy salad or refried beans rounds out the meal.

This Arroz Con Pollo with cheesy sauce is a comforting, family friendly meal that comes together quickly. Serve with warm tortillas and a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can chicken thighs be used instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender option with a richer flavor profile compared to breasts.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long grain white rice like Basmati is recommended as it holds its shape well and remains fluffy after cooking.

→ How can I achieve a smoother cheese sauce?

Stir constantly over medium heat to allow all cheeses to melt evenly into the evaporated milk, creating a creamy, velvety texture.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep and leftovers?

Absolutely. Storing the rice, chicken, and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers helps maintain their individual textures for up to 3-4 days.

→ What’s the best way to serve this dish?

It can be served layered on a plate or wrapped in warm tortillas, with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado for added freshness.

→ How do I keep the rice fluffy and non-sticky?

After simmering, let the rice rest covered off the heat for 15 minutes without stirring; this helps grains stay light and separate.