Introduction
Chicken Cheese and Rice brings tender chicken together with fluffy rice and rich, melted cheese to create a comforting dish that feels both hearty and satisfying. This is the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into everyday cooking, simple enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough to serve as a family favorite. I appreciate how all the components work together in one dish, allowing the rice to absorb the savory flavors while the cheese adds a creamy, indulgent finish. It is practical, filling, and adaptable, making it a reliable option when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Cheese and Rice recipe is easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and made with everyday ingredients. It delivers tender chicken, creamy texture, and balanced flavor in every bite. The dish reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers, and it can be customized with different cheeses or seasonings depending on your preference. It is a dependable, crowd-pleasing meal that suits both casual dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Breast
Boneless chicken breast provides lean protein and cooks to a tender, juicy texture when simmered gently with the rice.
Long-Grain White Rice
Long-grain rice absorbs the cooking liquid evenly, resulting in fluffy grains that are not overly sticky.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. Mild or sharp varieties both work well.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth infuses the rice with flavor and ensures the dish remains moist and well seasoned.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds subtle sweetness and builds a flavorful base for the dish.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory profile and complements both the chicken and cheese.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.
Milk
Milk contributes creaminess and helps the cheese melt evenly into the rice.
Salt
Salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Paprika
Paprika adds mild spice and a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chicken.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by seasoning the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large pan or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Stir in the rice, ensuring it is well coated with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat.
Allow the rice to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and creamy. Cover and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 30 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Chicken Cheese and Rice is highly adaptable. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor or use brown rice with extended cooking time. Adding vegetables such as peas, broccoli, or spinach boosts nutrition and color.
For extra creaminess, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream. If you prefer a sharper flavor, combine cheddar with mozzarella or Parmesan. Herbs such as parsley or thyme add freshness and aroma without overpowering the dish.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Cooking
Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Creamy Texture
Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation.
Flavor Boost
Use warm broth for better absorption and flavor.
Rice Control
Avoid lifting the lid too often to allow proper steaming.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and is ideal for meal prep.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, stir cooked chicken in during the final steps.
Can I make it in the oven?
Yes, transfer to a baking dish and bake until rice is tender.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but blends work well too.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid and cooking time.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but texture may change slightly.
Can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Does it need milk?
Milk improves creaminess but can be replaced with broth.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables blend seamlessly into this dish.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it is mild, filling, and family-friendly.
Conclusion
Chicken Cheese and Rice is a comforting, dependable dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice in one satisfying meal. Its simplicity, adaptability, and rich flavor make it a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation. Whether served fresh or enjoyed as leftovers, it consistently delivers warmth and comfort at the table.
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