Mexican Cuisine
Mexican cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, textures, and colors that reflect the country’s rich history and diverse culture. Each dish tells a story, often rooted in tradition and local ingredients. One such delightful recipe is the creamy chicken with saffron yellow rice topped with white queso. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also offers a delicious taste of Mexico that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to simplify their cooking while still delivering a burst of flavor. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic saffron rice, and creamy white queso creates a dish that is comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a hearty family meal, this recipe is sure to please. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Saffron Yellow Rice
Creating this delectable Mexican dish is straightforward, requiring just a few key ingredients and simple steps.
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
Directions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, if necessary. Season the chicken with adobo seasoning, making sure to rub it thoroughly on all sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until browned, approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Add the saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check the rice for doneness before removing from heat.
- When the rice is fully cooked, add the white queso and milk. Fluff the mixture with a fork to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve warm, ensuring each serving includes a portion of chicken, rice, and creamy queso.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Saffron Yellow Rice
This dish is best served warm, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with a green salad or some sliced avocado for a refreshing contrast. It also goes wonderfully with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans or tortilla chips.
How to Store Creamy Chicken with Saffron Yellow Rice
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken with Saffron Yellow Rice
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the adobo seasoning for a few hours or overnight.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the rice mixture during cooking.
- Experiment with different kinds of cheese; a pepper jack cheese can add a delightful kick.
Variation
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn to the rice as it cooks. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with black beans or mushrooms to soak up all those delicious flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of saffron yellow rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the amount of water since brown rice requires longer cooking.
2. What if I don’t have white queso?
If white queso is not available, you can use a cream cheese or any milder cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or a Mexican blend.
3. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, this dish can be frozen! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Creamy Chicken with Saffron Yellow Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast Pat dry and season before cooking.
- 10 oz saffron yellow rice Main component of the dish.
- 1 cube tomato bouillon Enhances flavor.
- 2.5 cups water Required to cook the rice.
Additional Ingredients
- 3 oz white queso Add to rice for creaminess.
- 2 tsp olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
- 2 tbsp milk Combine with white queso.
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning Season the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels if necessary. Season the chicken with adobo seasoning, making sure to rub it thoroughly on all sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chicken until browned, approximately 3 minutes per side.
Cooking
- Add the saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check the rice for doneness before removing from heat.
- When the rice is fully cooked, add the white queso and milk. Fluff the mixture with a fork to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve warm, ensuring each serving includes a portion of chicken, rice, and creamy queso.
