Cheesy Chicken & Rice: The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Food

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and satisfying, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken & Rice recipe! It’s the ultimate comfort food — packed with juicy chicken, tender rice, gooey melted cheese, and just the right blend of seasonings. Best of all, it’s made in one pan, which means less mess and more flavor.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekends, this dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers big on taste. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then keep coming back to — because everyone loves it!

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🍗 What Is Cheesy Chicken & Rice?

Cheesy Chicken & Rice is a creamy, casserole-style dish that combines cooked chicken, rice, cheese, and a flavorful sauce made from chicken broth, milk, and seasonings. It’s rich and comforting, yet easy enough to whip up any night of the week.

Think of it as the perfect marriage between chicken casserole and risotto — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor without all the fuss.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🕒 Quick & easy — ready in 30 minutes or less!
• 🍳 One-pan meal — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• 🧀 Cheesy and creamy — the kind of meal that warms your soul.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family favorite — picky eaters love it, too!
• 🌿 Customizable — add veggies, change cheeses, or spice it up.

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients for this cozy dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup broccoli florets or peas
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for flavor depth)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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🍳 How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Rice

This easy one-pan dinner comes together in under 30 minutes!

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Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook until the chicken is golden brown on all sides — about 5–6 minutes.

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Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked rice and let it toast lightly for about 1 minute.
Then pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

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Step 3: Stir in the Cheese

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using). Mix until melted and creamy.
For extra indulgence, sprinkle more cheese on top and cover for a few minutes to let it melt.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the rice gently, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot! It’s cheesy, creamy, and absolutely irresistible.

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🧀 Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken & Rice

1. Don’t overcook the rice — keep an eye on it so it stays creamy, not mushy.
2. Use freshly shredded cheese — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
3. Add veggies — broccoli, spinach, or peas make it a wholesome one-pan meal.
4. Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra handful of cheese.
5. For extra flavor — use smoked paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning.

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🌽 Delicious Variations

• 🥦 Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice: Add steamed or frozen broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• 🌶️ Spicy Cheesy Chicken & Rice: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• 🍄 Mushroom Cheesy Chicken & Rice: Add sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
• 🧅 French Onion Style: Stir in caramelized onions and top with Swiss cheese for a gourmet touch.
• 🥩 Bacon Lover’s Version: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This hearty meal can easily stand alone, but it also pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread or buttery rolls
• A fresh green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• A side of roasted carrots or green beans

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🧊 Storage and Reheating

Store:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the rice thickens too much.

Freeze:
Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

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🥰 Why You’ll Make This Again and Again

Cheesy Chicken & Rice is more than just a meal — it’s comfort in a bowl. The creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice come together to create a dish that’s simple yet completely satisfying.

It’s easy enough for a weeknight and comforting enough for Sunday dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will always hit the spot.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a timeless favorite for home cooks everywhere. 🧀🍗🍚

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