Get ready to fall wildly in love with the Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe! Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fluffy rice—all made in a single skillet—come together in the ultimate comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re whipping up an easy family dinner or searching for a cozy weeknight favorite, this dish bursts with savory flavor and cheesy goodness. With rich cheddar, a touch of Parmesan, and beautifully seasoned chicken, it’s no wonder this old-school favorite always finds its way into my meal rotation.

Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe so special is how a handful of easy-to-find ingredients create something magical when they come together. Each item brings something unique: from bold color and spice to that crave-worthy cheesy richness.

Chicken breast or thighs: Diced chicken allows for quick, even cooking and soaks up all the savory flavor.
Long-grain white rice: The rice becomes perfectly tender and creamy, a must for this one-pan dinner.
Olive oil: Slightly fruity olive oil gives a glossy finish and helps bring out the aromatics.
Onion: Chopped onion sweetens and deepens the savory notes as it cooks.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a comforting aroma that makes you want to dive right in.
Paprika: This spice brings subtle warmth and a lovely rosy hue to the whole dish.
Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors alive.
Black pepper: A gentle kick of spice that rounds out the seasonings.
Chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth infuses it with richness right from the start.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey strands, making each bite irresistibly cheesy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a nutty, salty bite that deepens the cheese flavor.
Milk or cream: Adds extra luscious creaminess—you pick how rich you want to go!
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh splash of color and a pop of herby brightness at the end.

How to Make Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, and let them sizzle for two to three minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. This step sets the savory stage for everything that comes next!

Step 2: Add and Cook the Chicken

Next, add your diced chicken straight into the skillet. Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring so each piece of chicken gets beautifully seasoned. Let the chicken cook for about five to six minutes, just until no longer pink. This quick sear locks in the flavor while keeping the chicken wonderfully juicy.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

No need for a separate pot! Add the uncooked long-grain rice directly into your skillet and give everything a good stir. Let the rice toast for a minute or two—this brings out a subtle nuttiness and helps the grains stay fluffy once cooked.

Step 4: Simmer in Broth

Pour in your chicken broth, stirring to loosen any golden bits from the pan (the secret to deep flavor). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. The rice soaks up the broth, getting fluffy and tender while each grain is infused with savory goodness.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Milk

Once the rice is perfectly cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, uncover the skillet and stir in the milk or cream along with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Let it cook for another minute or two, just until the cheese melts into glorious gooeyness and everything turns creamy and luscious.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take it off the heat and, if you like, shower the top with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe is ready to wow the table!

How to Serve Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of extra cheddar, sliced green onions, or even a little smoked paprika for a pop of vibrant color and flavor. These little touches make your Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This recipe is plenty hearty, but it shines next to a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. For something a little extra, serve with crusty bread to help scoop up every last creamy bite. Your family and friends will thank you!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon servings into oven-safe ramekins, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and broil for a bubbly gratin effect. Or pile the creamy chicken and rice into hollowed bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist that’s delicious and kid-friendly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh and tasty for up to three days—making it perfect for lunchboxes or easy reheating.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftovers! Portion the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to two months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Stir well as it heats so the cheese sauce becomes silky-smooth again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and needs a bit more liquid. Be sure to adjust the cooking time and broth accordingly for the best texture.

What’s the best cheese blend for this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combo, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. Feel free to get creative and use whatever melty cheeses you have on hand.

How can I add vegetables to the Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe?

Stir in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers along with the rice so they cook through with the rest of the ingredients. It’s a great way to add color, nutrition, and variety to the dish.

Can I make Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe ahead of time for guests?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up through the cheese step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess before dishing up.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as your chicken broth and cheeses are gluten-free, this dish fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. Always double-check labels just to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort by the spoonful, the Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe is sure to become a new favorite at your table. With melty cheese, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice all in one pan, it’s impossible to resist. Give this recipe a spin and get ready for rave reviews—there’s nothing quite like a dinner that brings everyone running to the kitchen!

Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy chicken and cheese rice dish that is easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal. This one-pot recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Cheese Rice Recipe:

1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk or cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Cook chicken: Add diced chicken, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until chicken is no longer pink.
Add rice: Stir in uncooked rice and toast briefly.
Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is cooked.
Add cheese: Stir in milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.