Quick Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe – Comfort in Every Bite!

Nestled in the world of comforting cheesy chicken and rice, this recipe promises pure culinary bliss.

Warm, gooey cheese embraces tender chicken and fluffy rice in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked comfort and satisfying goodness.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Creamy textures and rich seasonings dance across your palate with every forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this irresistible one-pan wonder.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this soul-warming classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender protein that absorbs rich seasonings beautifully, choose fresh and trimmed cuts for best texture.
• Bacon Bits: Adds crispy, smoky accent that elevates the overall dish's flavor profile, use high-quality thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch.

• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy foundation that soaks up delicious chicken broth, select high-quality rice that cooks evenly.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid base that infuses rice with deep flavor, opt for low-sodium version for better control.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth, select firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone that complements chicken's mild taste, choose fresh, firm cloves.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and adds golden color, select aged variety for more intense flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Brings stretchy, mild creaminess that binds ingredients, choose low-moisture type for best melting.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture that enriches entire dish, select fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Sour Cream: Optional ingredient that adds extra tanginess and velvety smoothness, choose full-fat version for richest flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste by balancing flavors, use kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor, choose pure, additive-free version.

Tools Used For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the entire dish, preferably with a tight-fitting lid.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring rice, mixing ingredients, and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups: Needed for accurately measuring chicken broth, rice, and other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for chopping onions, garlic, and green onions for garnish.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheese that needs to be shredded fresh.

Steps For Making Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Sizzle the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with a zesty blend of seasonings. Warm up a skillet with a splash of olive oil and butter. Drop the chicken into the hot pan, cooking until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Scoop out the chicken and let it rest.

• Create the Rice Base

In the same sizzling pan, dance some chopped onions around for a quick moment. Toss in minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic. Tumble the rice into the pan, coating it with all those delicious flavor remnants. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let the rice simmer until it becomes tender and fluffy.

• Transform into Cheesy Delight

Swirl in heavy cream and shower the rice with melting cheddar and mozzarella. Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the creamy mixture, stirring until everything is beautifully combined. For extra richness, fold in a dollop of sour cream.

• Finish and Feast

Scatter some fresh green onions and crispy bacon bits on top if you’re feeling fancy. Serve piping hot and get ready to dive into a comforting, cheesy adventure!

Ideas To Enhance Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Perfect Skillet Technique: Use a cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor and consistent heat distribution, creating a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Shred cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, creamy melting without clumping.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile and reduces carbohydrate content.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Boost heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne powder during seasoning, or keep it mild for family-friendly meals by reducing spice quantities.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance and store in an airtight container; reheat gently in the skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Serving Tips For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Pair this cheesy chicken and rice with a crisp side salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy main dish.
• Weekend Family Feast: Create a complete meal by adding roasted broccoli or garlic green beans on the side to boost vegetable intake and complement the savory flavors.
• Spice It Up Station: Let diners customize their plate with optional hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños for those who love an extra kick of heat.
• Leftovers Magic: Transform remaining chicken and rice into a lunch wrap by adding fresh spinach and rolling in a warm tortilla for a delicious next-day meal.

Keep Cheesy Chicken And Rice Stored Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken and rice to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with date and contents. Frozen meals stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm in microwave with splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir halfway through heating. Use medium power to prevent chicken from becoming tough. Add extra cheese if desired for fresh taste.
• Meal Prep Power: Prepare chicken and rice separately during weekly cooking session. Keep components chilled until ready to combine. Allows quick assembly of meals and saves time during busy weekdays. Ingredients stay fresh and ready for quick, delicious dinners.

Comforting Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sumptuous cheesy chicken and rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate. Home cooks discover pure satisfaction through this simple, hearty midweek meal you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ¼ cup crispy bacon bits
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp paprika

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken with a robust spice blend, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
2. Skillet Foundation: Meld olive oil and butter in a spacious pan, heating until the mixture becomes aromatic and shimmering.
3. Protein Searing: Execute a golden-brown sear on the seasoned chicken, maximizing flavor retention and creating a crisp exterior while preserving internal moisture.
4. Aromatic Building: Caramelize onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, quickly toasting to unlock its intense flavor profile.
5. Rice Integration: Fold rice into the fragrant mixture, meticulously coating each grain with the pan’s concentrated essences.
6. Liquid Infusion: Stream chicken broth into the skillet, bringing to a gentle boil before reducing to a subdued simmer and covering to facilitate rice absorption.
7. Creamy Transformation: Integrate heavy cream and a harmonious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until a luxurious, velvety sauce emerges.
8. Final Assembly: Reunite the seared chicken with the creamy rice, ensuring comprehensive coating and optional enhancement with a dollop of sour cream.
9. Presentation: Embellish with crisp bacon fragments and freshly chopped green onions, then serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and cheese consistency.

Notes

• Manage Chicken Seasoning: Use a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for a balanced flavor profile that penetrates the meat deeply.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice frequently and maintain low heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning or clumping at the bottom of the skillet.
• Control Cheese Melting: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce without graininess.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb option, or substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg