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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
