Chipotle Queso Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Mahatma® White Rice
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups sodium-reduced chicken broth
- 1/2 cup 35% heavy cream
- 2 oz brick-style plain cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Like rice mac and cheese, but spicy, this irresistibly creamy dish is sure to be a fast favorite for everyone at the dinner table.
Step 1
Melt butter in large saucepan set over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in chipotle peppers; cook for 1 minute.
Step 2
Stir in rice and salt. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until well coated. Stir in chicken broth and cream; bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3
Stir in cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Stir in lime juice and parsley.
Recipe Tip
Use any leftover rice as a filling for cheesy quesadillas.
Cheesy, Spicy, Delicious
Similar to our Rice Mac and Cheese, but with a spicy twist, this Chipotle Queso Rice is for those who love all things cheesy and all things spicy. Perfect as a side or main dish, this deliciously creamy, cheesy rice made with fluffy Mahatma® White Rice and cream cheese has the perfect amount of spice and bold flavor because it’s made with Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar and includes chipotle peppers in adobo and a bit of garlic for even more flavor. Make sure that you make plenty to go around for seconds because everyone is going to love this spicy twist on a classic.
For a more aromatic touch, use Mahatma® Jasmine Rice, however, you will need to adjust the amount accordingly as the ideal water to rice ratio is 1½:1.
Spice Levels
If the spice level in Monterey Jack cheese is enough heat for you, don’t hesitate to use less chipotle peppers, or to omit them completely. You can also use roasted green chilies instead of chipotle peppers for less heat as they are not as spicy but still complement this cheesy dish very well.
If you’re on the other end of the spice spectrum and feel the need to up the heat, feel free to sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce until the burn is right where you want it.
Have Leftovers?
Like our Mexican White Rice, this dish’s leftovers are perfect as an addition to quesadilla or burrito filling! Make extra and have it on hand for a quick lunch or dinner quesadilla or burrito when you’re short on time to cook.
If you find yourself loving the cheese and spice combo, try this Green Chili Mexican Rice Casserole and these Cheese & Jalapeno Quinoa Cakes with Garlic & Lemon Aioli.
Other Meal Inspiration
If you want something a bit more European influenced then check out the Best Paella Recipe this side of the Atlantic!
Looking for dessert ideas? Try our: Arroz con leche peruvian recipe.
