Queso Smothered Chicken – Tex-Mex grilled chicken smothered in Queso and served over southwest seasoned orzo. SO quick and easy to make. This chicken is AMAZING! I wanted to lick my plate!!!
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Pin This RecipeYum-tastic! This was the best thing we ate last week. OMG – it was SO delicious. I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. I didn’t, but I really, really wanted to!
This dish is cousin to Pollo Loco. I used orzo instead of rice, and Rotel queso instead of white cheese dip. The orzo was so good. We both thought it was good enough on its own, but it really took the chicken over the top! This dish has a little kick from the Rotel queso. You can use mild Rotel if you don’t like spicy food. We both wished I had doubled the recipe. Put this on your menu ASAP!
Queso Smothered Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Lawry's Baja Chipotle 30 minute marinade or Mesquite
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Southwest Seasoning or chili powder
- 1 (8-oz) package Velveeta, diced
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
Instructions:
- Pour Baja Chipotle Marinade over chicken and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. When ready, grill chicken until done (165 degrees).
- While the chicken is grilling prepare the orzo.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add orzo. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Stir in Southwestern Seasoning or chili powder, tomato paste and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Combine diced tomatoes & green chiles (undrained) and Velveeta in a medium bowl. Heat on HIGH in the microwave in 30 second intervals until cheese is melted.
- To assemble the Queso Smothered Chicken – place ¼ of the orzo on a plate, top with grilled chicken. Pour 3-4 Tbsp cheese dip over chicken and orzo.
Steph
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Can this be made without orzo/rice…my husband doesnt like carbs during week? Or has anyone tried possibly using cauliflower rice instead?
The orzo is made separately from the chicken so you dont have to make the orzo. I served green beans as a side which complemented the chicken very well.
Omg so yummy! Chicken was tender after a quick marinade and I cooked in cast iron. The southwest seasoning was yummy and the queso was delicious. Must serve with chips next time!
I cannot find "southwest" seasoning in the store. What exactly are you using? This isn't the first time I've seen a recipe calling for it – is there a blend that I can make myself?? Thank you in advance!!
Delicious and a keeper! Easy too! I made it with rice instead of orzo and was still delicious. Made my own marinade and served it with steamed broccoli. Topped it all with the queso! Was great! Thanks!
This is cooking right now. Seems delicious and we are queso fans. Doing some fresh steamed broccoli on the side and will also top with the queso sauce. Thanks for sharing and very very easy too. I did not have the marinade, so made my own with some liquid smoke I had and soy sauce and fresh garlic. Can't wait to eat!
Lord help me. I can't wait to make this!
Made this once and the family licked the pan. Tonight going to try making with the new white Velveeta in place of the normal one. We pan fried since we don't have grill and the family loved
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Awesome dish! Hubby loves it!
Kellie – you can pan sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side and finish it off in the oven at 400 for 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Glad a couple folks posted that it still came out ok after baking in oven since I don't know to much about grilling. Gonna pick up what I need and make this tomorrow night.
Ellen – don't Pre-cook the orzo. It cooks in the oil and broth. Enjoy!
Want to make this tomorrow for Cindo De Mayo!!! Do you need to pre-cook (boil) the orzo first or does it cook in the oil and broth? Thanks!
w2003s – you can use the Lawry's Mesquite marinade if you can't find the Baja Chipotle.
I want to make this but cant find the Lawreys seasoning anywhere. Tried oredering online even and they sent me a message 2 days later saying they cant get it anymore. Any suggestions on what I can use instead??
Amazing recipe. Just blogged about it and how my boyfriend & I are basically addicted to this meal!