If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy melted cheese, and fluffy rice all in one delightful package, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s the perfect blend of savory flavors and textures that make for a satisfying meal any day of the week, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. This recipe manages to be both simple to prepare and incredibly fulfilling, making it an instant favorite that the whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a starring role, contributing to the rich taste, vibrant color, or perfect texture that makes this dish shine. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheese, every element is essential and easy to find, which makes this recipe approachable yet impressive.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base to brown the chicken and sauté vegetables.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory taste complementing the fresh onion.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and spice.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and aromatic richness when sautéed.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic provides bright, fragrant notes.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed: The fluffy base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory goodness.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to ensure every bite is smooth and luscious.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup: Acts as a thick and creamy binding agent for all the ingredients.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey perfection enhancing every forkful.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: Brings in a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, toss the bite-sized pieces of chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to coat them evenly. Add the chicken to the pan and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes, letting it brown beautifully on all sides and cook through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside as we prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan that held the chicken, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for roughly 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing that irresistible aroma. This step builds the foundational flavor that will country the creamy rice and chicken.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, stir in the rinsed white rice right into the pan with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for about a minute, allowing it to soak up some flavorful fat and develop a slight nutty taste before adding liquids. This little step elevates the texture and flavor of the rice in your final dish.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and everything is creamy and delicious.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Cheese, and Vegetables
Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the frozen peas and carrots. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the vegetables are heated through. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover once again, and let the residual heat work its magic to melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green contrast but also enhances the flavor with its fresh herbal notes. For a little extra flair, consider a dusting of smoked paprika or sliced green onions to brighten the dish even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli makes for a perfectly balanced meal. A side of warm crusty bread is also fantastic to scoop up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cheesy chicken and rice in individual ramekins or even inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation that impresses at dinner parties. You can also sprinkle extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly golden top that adds a crowd-pleasing texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cheesy chicken and rice will hold up nicely and even taste better as the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months by placing portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to ensure the cheese melts smoothly. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish to keep moisture in and stirring halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be mindful that brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Increase the broth accordingly, and be patient while it simmers to ensure the rice becomes tender.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
For a homemade alternative, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) using butter, flour, milk, and chicken stock seasoned to taste. This keeps the dish just as creamy and flavorful without the canned soup.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The mild seasonings and cheesy, creamy texture make it a favorite among kids. You can sneak in extra veggies or swap the peas and carrots with your child’s preferred vegetables to boost nutrition.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Broccoli florets, mushrooms, or sliced bell peppers can all be added either during the simmer step or sautéed along with the onions for varied flavors and textures.
How do I make the recipe more creamy?
To amp up the creaminess, stir in about 2 ounces of cream cheese along with the cheddar cheese. This adds a silky richness that makes the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe extra indulgent without overwhelming the balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those warm, comforting dishes that you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and has the kind of cheesy goodness that brings smiles all around the table. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A comforting one-pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole featuring tender seasoned chicken, creamy rice cooked in chicken broth and milk, vibrant peas and carrots, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Chicken, Vegetables, and Cheese: Stir the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots into the rice mixture. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and the vegetables are heated through.
- Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover the pan again, and let it sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in 2 ounces of cream cheese with the shredded cheddar.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the broth by 1/2 cup and extend the cooking time to 40–45 minutes.
- Broccoli florets make a great addition when added with the peas and carrots.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
