How to make Chicken Smothered In Queso
Ingredients
1 tbsp Olive Oil
4 Chicken breasts, boneless, pounded to be even
1 cup orzo
2 cups Chicken broth
2 tbsp Tomato paste
2 tsp Chili powder OR Southwest Seasoning
1 bottle Baja Marinade, 30 minutes style
8 ounces Velveeta Cheese loaf, diced
1-10 ounce can of Rotel, diced tomatoes and green chiles
Instructions
Place the chicken in a ziploc bag. Pour the marinade in and release as much air as possible
Seal the bag and place in the refrigerator on a flat surface, let marinade for at least 30 minutes, Overnight if possible
Cook the Chicken breasts on the grill until completely cooked
In a skillet over medium high heat, heat the Olive Oil, once heated, add the orzo and cook until browned, stirring continuously
Add in the Southwest Seasoning, tomato paste and the Chicken broth
Stir well and bring it to a boil, once the boil begins, lower the heat to low.
Cover the skillet and allow to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes
When it is done cooking, fluff the orzo with a fork
In a medium bowl combine the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles with the cubed Velveeta cubes
Microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring after each cycle until the cheese is melted
Place ¼ of the cooked orzo in the center of a plate
Top with one piece of grilled chicken
Pour 4 tbsp of the Queso over the chicken and orzo
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 436 | TOTAL FAT: 22g | SATURATED FAT: 8g | TRANS FAT: 0g | UNSATURATED FAT: 11g | CHOLESTEROL: 100mg | SODIUM: 1904mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 23g | FIBER: 2g | SUGAR: 9g | PROTEIN: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute the Baja Marinade with a different marinade?
Yes, you can substitute the Baja Marinade with a marinade of your choice. Just make sure it complements the flavors of the dish.
Can I cook the chicken breasts in the oven instead of on the grill?
Yes, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven instead of grilling them. Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature and bake the chicken until it reaches the desired doneness.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would work well as alternatives to Velveeta.
Can I cook the chicken breasts using a different method instead of grilling?
Yes, you can cook the chicken breasts using other methods such as baking, pan-searing, or using a grill pan on the stovetop. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like macaroni or penne. The cooking time may vary, so follow the instructions on the pasta package for cooking times.
Can I make the queso on the stovetop instead of using the microwave?
Yes, you can make the queso on the stovetop by melting the diced Velveeta cheese with the diced tomatoes and green chiles in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken like chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I use fresh tomatoes and chilies instead of canned Rotel?
Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes and green chilies instead of the canned Rotel. Just make sure to adjust the quantities and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the orzo or serve them as a side dish. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn kernels would be great additions to enhance the flavors and add more nutrients to the meal.