Introduction

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Delight is a comforting one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and melty cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare.

A round white bowl filled with a creamy rice dish mixed with green peas and small orange carrot cubes. On top, a thick layer of melted yellow cheese is browned in spots, giving a bubbly and slightly crispy texture. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly over the cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural lighting highlighting the warm, rich colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
1 cup long‑grain white rice
2 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup frozen peas (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 4: Stir in the rice and cook for an additional minute to coat the grains with oil and flavors.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and add the frozen peas if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice.
Step 6: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. Return to the oven uncovered for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap frozen peas with diced bell peppers or mushrooms according to your preference.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in ¼ cup of cream or sour cream before baking.
Use a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy taste, or mild cheddar for a subtle creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the rice seems dry.

How to Serve

A close-up of a small white bowl filled with a creamy rice dish mixed with orange carrots and green peas. The rice is topped with a layer of melted golden brown cheese that is bubbly and slightly charred in spots, and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The bowl sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken cooks fully.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken & Rice Delight is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender, seared chicken breasts cooked with fluffy long-grain rice, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Enhanced with smoked paprika and thyme, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice Base

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup frozen peas (optional)

Cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Base: Start by gathering all ingredients and patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to build a flavorful crust.
Searing the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cooking Aromatics and Rice: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet and stir well, coating the rice in the oil and aromatics for about 1-2 minutes to toast slightly.
Adding Broth and Simmering: Pour in the 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stir in the frozen peas if using. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
Baking the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adding Cheese and Resting: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the chicken and rice. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the cheese from separating.
Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Serve hot directly from the skillet for a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before searing is essential for a good crust.
If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before baking.
The frozen peas can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers.
Adjust seasoning carefully if your chicken broth is salted to avoid oversalting.
For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream along with the broth.

Keywords: Cheesy chicken, chicken and rice, baked chicken recipe, one-pot meal, cheesy rice bake, weeknight dinner