Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, creamy one-pot dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender diced chicken is cooked with aromatic garlic and onion powders, then simmered with rice, chicken broth, and milk to create a rich base. Frozen peas and carrots add a pop of color and sweetness, while shredded cheddar cheese melts through for savory creaminess. A touch of butter and fresh parsley finish the dish beautifully. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a kid-friendly, hearty meal that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and mostly cooked through.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice with the chicken and cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the rice lightly, enhancing its nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables) to the skillet and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Add cheese and butter: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and butter, if using, mixing until melted and the dish becomes creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking diced chicken from scratch.
- Add a spoonful of cream cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
- Top with crispy fried onions for a crunchy texture contrast.
- This dish can easily be customized by swapping vegetables or using different cheese types like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
