Creamy Chicken and Saffron Yellow Rice Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This flavorful Mexican-inspired dish combines tender chicken breasts with saffron yellow rice and creamy white queso. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 oz white queso
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 10 oz saffron yellow rice
- 1 cube tomato bouillon
- 2½ cups water
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels if needed. Rub the adobo seasoning thoroughly over all sides of the chicken.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Step 3: Add saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked through.
- Step 5: When rice is done, stir in white queso and milk. Fluff the mixture gently with a fork to combine evenly.
- Step 6: Serve warm, making sure each portion includes chicken, rice, and creamy queso.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in adobo seasoning and a splash of lime juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap white queso for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Use low-sodium tomato bouillon if you want to control salt levels.
- Add diced bell peppers or onions to the rice for added texture and color.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the queso creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of white queso?
Yes, cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mild cheddar work well and melt smoothly to create a creamy texture.
Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. You can cook the dish fully, then refrigerate. Just reheat gently before serving to preserve the creaminess of the queso and prevent the chicken from drying out.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Saffron Yellow Rice Skillet Recipe
A flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with fragrant saffron yellow rice, enhanced with a rich and creamy white queso sauce. This one-pan recipe combines bold spices and savory bouillon to create a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Cooking spray
Rice and Broth
- 10 oz saffron yellow rice
- 1 cube tomato bouillon
- 2½ cups water
Queso Sauce
- 3 oz white queso
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better seasoning adherence. Rub the chicken thoroughly on all sides with adobo seasoning to infuse it with vibrant Mexican flavors.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sauté them until browned, about 3 minutes per side, to develop a flavorful crust.
- Add Rice and Bouillon: To the skillet with the browned chicken, add saffron yellow rice, water, and the tomato bouillon cube. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and distribute the bouillon evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the rich flavors. Check the rice for doneness before proceeding.
- Add Queso and Milk: When the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stir in the white queso and milk. Use a fork to fluff the rice and mix the creamy queso sauce thoroughly, coating the chicken and rice evenly.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, ensuring that each portion includes crispy chicken, saffron-infused rice, and the creamy queso sauce for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to prevent moisture loss.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the queso sauce to reach your desired creaminess.
- If white queso is not available, a mild melting cheese such as Monterey Jack can be substituted.
- This recipe can be paired well with a side of fresh pico de gallo or avocado slices for added freshness.
Keywords: Mexican chicken, saffron rice, white queso sauce, skillet chicken, one-pan dinner
