Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible cheesy chicken and rice masterpiece, blending hearty ingredients with simple preparation. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken nestle among fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Dairy and Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon 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
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
- Create a flavorful base in a spacious skillet by combining olive oil and butter, heating until the mixture shimmers and becomes fragrant.
- Carefully sear the seasoned chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior, rendering the meat succulent and locking in its natural juices.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a holding plate, preserving its warmth and preventing overcooking.
- In the same skillet, gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and release their subtle sweetness.
- Introduce minced garlic and quickly toast to enhance its robust flavor without burning.
- Add rice to the aromatic mixture, stirring continuously to coat each grain with the rich pan flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a gentle boil before reducing heat to a low simmer.
- Cover and let the rice absorb the liquid, creating a tender and fluffy texture.
- Incorporate heavy cream and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until a smooth, creamy consistency develops.
- Reintroduce the chicken to the cheesy rice, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the velvety sauce.
- Optional: Fold in sour cream for an extra layer of richness and tanginess.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits to add texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the cheese remains delightfully melted.
Notes
- Perfectly season chicken by letting it sit with spices for 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration.
- Use long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine for best texture and prevent mushiness during cooking.
- Grate cheese fresh instead of pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and richer taste profile.
- Control dairy richness by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter versions, making it more diet-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 456
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 786 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg