Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary sensation with this irresistible skillet cheesy chicken rice! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked rice, all blanketed with a luxurious layer of melted cheese that stretches with every forkful. This one-pan wonder is not just a meal; it's a comfort food experience that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, promising to become your new go-to recipe for satisfying hunger and delighting taste buds in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly coated.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet, stirring gently to combine with the chicken and broth, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the cheese is completely melted and creates a creamy texture.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Cheese Selection: Use a melting cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend for the best creamy result.
- Rice Hack: Use day-old or pre-cooked rice for the best texture and to prevent mushy results.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan for an extra depth of flavor.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat when cooking chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Resting Time: Always let the dish rest for 2 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
