If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, you have to try Chicken Cheese and Rice. This dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and pops of veggies for a one-pan wonder that’s both easy to make and big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving something cozy, Chicken Cheese and Rice is a go-to that never disappoints.

Chicken Cheese and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient shines while keeping things simple. Every item on this list is essential for boosting taste, creating creamy texture, and adding color and nutrition to your Chicken Cheese and Rice. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully in the pan.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Garlic Powder: Packs in savory depth without any chopping required.
Onion Powder: Enhances flavor with a gentle, sweet sharpness that melds right into the dish.
Salt: Brightens and balances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
Long Grain White Rice: Cooks up fluffy and absorbs all those delicious juices and seasonings.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness and keeps everything moist.
Frozen Peas and Carrots (optional): Bring a pop of color and a hint of sweetness—plus a veggie boost!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the rice for that crave-worthy cheesy pull in every bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch that elevates the cheesy flavor.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbal finish that makes the dish look extra inviting.

How to Make Chicken Cheese and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once it’s ready, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Don’t skip this step—it adds so much flavor! In the same pan (no need to clean it, those little brown bits are pure gold), toss in the uncooked rice. Stir it around for 1 to 2 minutes so it gets lightly toasted and picks up all the flavor left behind by the chicken.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes. The rice will soak up all that savory broth and become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now for the magic! Stir in the peas and carrots if you’re using them, along with the cooked chicken and both cheeses. Cover the pan again for 2 to 3 minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling over fresh parsley if you have it. Your Chicken Cheese and Rice is ready to serve—rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy!

How to Serve Chicken Cheese and Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding brightness and a splash of green. You can also top each serving with a little extra shredded cheddar for even more cheesy goodness, or a dash of paprika for color and gentle warmth.

Side Dishes

Chicken Cheese and Rice is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans. For a fun twist, serve it alongside warm crusty bread to help scoop up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken Cheese and Rice in individual ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style feel. You can also stuff the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for an extra-vegetable boost, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Cheese and Rice keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer it to an airtight container once it’s cooled, and you’ll have a quick, delicious lunch or dinner ready to go.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual servings with a splash of broth or milk to keep things moist, or warm larger amounts gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and that signature creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and needs a bit more liquid. Plan on adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes of simmering time and a splash more broth for perfectly tender results.

Is there a way to make Chicken Cheese and Rice creamier?

Yes! Stir in a quarter cup of sour cream or a splash of milk right before serving. This adds an extra layer of richness and makes the dish even more luscious.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic for its melty texture and sharp flavor, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend for your own cheesy signature. The Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick that ties everything together.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, baby spinach, or even corn can be stirred in with the peas and carrots. Just be sure to add more delicate veggies near the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

For a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the seasonings. You could also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy, melty twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a homemade pan of Chicken Cheese and Rice—comforting, creamy, and full of flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, chicken-packed spoonful!

Chicken Cheese and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy and comforting Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheeses for a delicious one-pot family meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and a hint of fresh parsley, it’s a creamy and satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Vegetables

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Cheese and Garnish

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Toast the Rice: In the same pan, add the uncooked rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This step enhances the rice’s flavor and texture.
Simmer the Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
Add Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (if using), the cooked chicken pieces, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the pan again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
Combine and Serve: Stir everything together until well combined and creamy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting main dish.

Notes

For a creamier texture, stir in ¼ cup sour cream or a splash of milk before serving.
You can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid slightly to ensure the rice cooks fully.
Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and extra nutrition.
Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control sodium levels in the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American