The Coziest Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort meets culinary magic in this incredible cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Creamy, golden, and packed with flavor, this dish blends tender chicken and fluffy rice into a single irresistible meal.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over perfectly seasoned ingredients that dance together in harmonious deliciousness.

Every forkful delivers a warm embrace of homestyle goodness that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum taste.

The combination of protein-rich chicken and hearty rice makes this a nutritious and filling dinner solution.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Tasty Add-Ins for Chicken Rice Dishes

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and confirm all spices are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, increase chili powder, incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat and a zesty flavor profile that kicks up the original recipe's warmth.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, cheesy chicken essence of the original dish.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice, brown rice, or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts according to the specific rice type’s package instructions.

• Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate spice level from the green chilies and chili powder. You can reduce or omit these ingredients for a milder version, or add more if you prefer extra heat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free and check that your spices don’t contain any gluten-based additives. The recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.

• What if I don't have fresh cilantro for garnish?

No problem! You can skip the cilantro or substitute with chopped green onions, parsley, or simply leave it ungarnished. The dish will still taste delicious.

Why Cheesy Chicken and Rice Works

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Delight: Whip up this one-skillet wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Enjoy a perfectly balanced blend of spices, tender chicken, and melty cheese that creates a satisfying and hearty dish everyone will love.
• Nutritious and Customizable Meal: Pack in protein, vegetables, and whole grains while easily adapting the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps.
• Budget-Friendly Family Favorite: Create a delicious dinner that's wallet-friendly, uses common pantry staples, and provides generous portions to feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Chicken & Rice Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of this comforting dish.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that adds creamy goodness.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Aromatic veggies that provide a sweet and slightly crunchy base.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty ingredient that brings a tangy kick.
• Peas: Sweet and tender green gems that add color and nutrition.

• Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder: Warm spices that create a depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Light cooking oil for sautéing vegetables.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for garnishing.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in diced onion and bell pepper, letting them dance and soften for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add chicken chunks to the skillet, cooking until they develop a golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Rice
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Chicken broth
• Peas
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and absorb all the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the rice.

Cover again for 2-3 minutes, creating a gooey, melted cheese blanket.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and stretchy.

Tips for Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Toast spices like cumin and paprika in the skillet before adding other ingredients to intensify their depth and aroma.
• Use long-grain white rice for the best fluffy consistency, and avoid stirring too much during cooking to prevent sticking.
• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences or variety.
• Let the skillet sit off heat with cheese on top for even melting and prevent burning the bottom of the dish.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Store and Reheat Chicken Rice Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• For best taste and texture, consume refrigerated leftovers within 2 days and always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating.

Great Sides for Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken and rice.
• Complement with Crisp Mexican Lager: Select a cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to balance the dish's spicy and cheesy flavors, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Creamy Avocado Crema: Whip up a quick avocado sauce with sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro to drizzle over the dish, enhancing its southwestern-inspired profile and adding a cool, smooth texture.
• Select Sparkling Lime Agua Fresca: Brew a homemade non-alcoholic drink with fresh lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of honey to complement the meal's robust and spicy undertones.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy chicken and rice brings midwestern warmth to dinner tables with its creamy blend of tender chicken and perfectly seasoned rice. Melted cheese creates a rich, satisfying meal that connects families around one delicious plate you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas

Grains and Vegetables:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, creating a sizzling base for the culinary journey.
2. Introduce diced onion and bell pepper, transforming them with gentle sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Incorporate chicken chunks, browning them evenly to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
4. Layer in rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and vibrant green peas, creating a harmonious mixture.
5. Awaken the dish with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings thoroughly.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then blanket the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to a whisper.
7. Let the ingredients meld and transform for approximately 20 minutes, ensuring rice becomes perfectly tender and liquid is completely absorbed.
8. Unveil the skillet and cascade shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket of cheesy goodness.
9. Return the lid briefly, permitting the cheese to melt into a creamy, enticing layer.
10. Present the dish immediately, garnishing with fresh cilantro for a burst of bright, herbal complexity.

Notes

• Swap bell peppers with zucchini or carrots for a different vegetable crunch and nutrition boost.
• Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber and a nuttier flavor profile.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and limiting added salt.
• Make it spicy by adding extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 587 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg