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


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for GF)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or diced bell peppers


Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  2. Add diced chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
  3. Stir in rice and toast 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 18–20 minutes (white rice) or according to rice package, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in flour (or cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) and cook 1–2 minutes to thicken.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy. Fold in peas or peppers if using.
  8. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese. Cover and let sit 2–3 minutes until gooey.

Serve hot as a one-pan meal—comfort food ready in under 30 minutes!

💡 Make it heartier: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or top with crispy bacon bits.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 25 mins , Total Time : 35 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 420 , Net Carbs: 32g , Fats: 18g , Protein: 34g