Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned and browned before being combined with aromatic onions, creamy cheddar cheese, and fluffy rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth and milk. Optional vegetables like peas and carrots add color and nutrition, while a touch of butter enriches the dish. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is hearty, kid-friendly, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is lightly browned and cooked through, which should take about 5–6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the onions and toast the rice: In the same pan, add the diced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the uncooked rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Simmer the rice: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook gently for 15–18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Combine cheese, chicken, and vegetables: Remove the lid and stir in the butter and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly into the rice. Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas and carrots if using, mixing thoroughly to heat everything evenly throughout the skillet.
- Garnish and serve: Once everything is hot and well combined, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for a wholesome and cheesy dinner your family will love.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
- Swap peas and carrots with broccoli or spinach for a different vegetable variety.
- Use brown rice for a healthier alternative, but increase cooking time and liquid amounts slightly to ensure the rice cooks through.
