Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Cheesy Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a generous helping of creamy, melty cheese—all in one skillet. This dish is a weeknight hero, ready in under an hour, and guaranteed to win over picky eaters and hungry grown-ups alike. Every bite is a cozy hug, with just the right balance of savory flavors and indulgent creaminess. Whether you’re feeding your family or sharing with friends, Cheesy Chicken and Rice will quickly become your go-to recipe for effortless, satisfying meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Chicken and Rice lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a key role in building the dish’s delicious layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Gather these essentials for a meal that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein—cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle warmth and a little kick to every bite.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic depth without fussing over fresh garlic.
- Onion: Softens and sweetens as it cooks, creating a flavorful base.
- Long-grain white rice: Soaks up the broth and flavors, becoming tender and fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory backbone and ensures the rice cooks up perfectly.
- Frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables): Bring pops of color, sweetness, and extra nutrition.
- Sour cream: Makes the dish luxuriously creamy and tangy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The ooey-gooey magic that ties everything together.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them right in the pan with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and mostly cooked through. This step builds the first layer of savory flavor and ensures your chicken stays juicy.
Step 2: Soften the Onion
Once your chicken is looking golden, toss in the chopped onion. Cook everything together for another couple of minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent. The onion’s gentle sweetness will mingle with the chicken and spices, creating a deliciously fragrant base for your Cheesy Chicken and Rice.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Now it’s time to stir in the uncooked rice. Let it toast in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. This quick step helps the rice absorb some of those delicious pan flavors and prevents it from becoming mushy later on. You’ll notice a slightly nutty aroma—your kitchen is already smelling amazing!
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and soak up all those savory juices, while the chicken finishes cooking to perfection.
Step 5: Add Veggies and Finish
Uncover the skillet and stir in your frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables). Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until heated through and bright. Remove the pan from heat, then gently mix in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Watch as everything transforms into a creamy, cheesy medley—this is what makes Cheesy Chicken and Rice so irresistible!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness. If you want to get extra fancy, try a sprinkle of extra cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika for a pop of flavor and visual flair.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a hearty main course on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, warm dinner rolls, or even roasted broccoli. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a simple fruit salad for a sweet, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop your Cheesy Chicken and Rice into individual ramekins and bake with a little extra cheese on top until bubbly. Or, use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—just slice the tops off, fill, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Cheesy Chicken and Rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cheesy Chicken and Rice! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. If reheating a larger batch, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice for a heartier, more wholesome twist. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and will require a bit more broth—plan to simmer for about 40 minutes, checking for tenderness.
What other cheeses work well in Cheesy Chicken and Rice?
While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack and Colby both melt beautifully and add their own unique flavor. Feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses for extra richness.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat gently when ready to serve. Just hold off on adding the parsley garnish until just before serving for the freshest look.
How do I make it spicier?
If you want to add a little heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños with the onion for an extra kick.
Is Cheesy Chicken and Rice kid-friendly?
Definitely! This dish is a favorite with kids thanks to its creamy texture, mild flavors, and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get in some veggies with every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to please, Cheesy Chicken and Rice is your answer. It’s a one-pot wonder that always delivers smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try this week and share the love with your favorite people—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables and Rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, toasting it for 1 to 2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of mixed vegetables) and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Mix in sour cream and cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch and serve the cheesy chicken and rice warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version—reduce the initial cooking time since the chicken is already cooked.
- Swap long-grain white rice with brown rice by increasing the chicken broth quantity and the simmering time accordingly.
- Try Monterey Jack or Colby cheese as alternatives for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
