Why Make This Recipe
Crazy Chicken: Mexican Chicken and Rice with Cheese is a fun and tasty dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe brings together the flavors of Mexico with juicy chicken, saffron rice, and a creamy queso sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
How to Make Crazy Chicken
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
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with adobo seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare saffron rice according to package instructions using water and the tomato bouillon cube.
- In a small saucepan, warm milk and melt the white queso to create a smooth sauce.
- Serve chicken over saffron rice and drizzle with queso sauce.
How to Serve Crazy Chicken
Serve the Crazy Chicken on a plate over a bed of saffron rice. Drizzle the melted queso sauce over the chicken and rice for extra flavor. You can add some fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color. Pair this dish with a side of black beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crazy Chicken
To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
Tips to Make Crazy Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked to 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the rice while it cooks for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you like it spicy, consider adding some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the queso sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, for the sauce. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist on the dish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of saffron rice?
Yes, you can swap saffron rice for brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats nicely.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker with the rice and water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach. Just melt the queso separately and add it when serving.
Crazy Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast Seasoned with adobo
- 10 oz saffron yellow rice Prepare according to package instructions
- 2.5 cups water For cooking the rice
- 1 cube tomato bouillon For flavoring the rice
Queso Sauce
- 3 oz white queso Melted for sauce
- 2 tbsp milk To make the sauce creamy
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil For frying the chicken
- Cooking spray Cooking spray For greasing the skillet
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning To season the chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with adobo seasoning.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in the skillet and cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cooking Rice
- Prepare saffron rice according to package instructions using water and the tomato bouillon cube.
Making Queso Sauce
- In a small saucepan, warm milk and melt the white queso to create a smooth sauce.
Serving
- Serve chicken over saffron rice and drizzle with queso sauce.