Print

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-delight-recipe/