Save to Pinterest This comforting one-pot cheesy chicken and rice is the answer when you want a filling meal with little fuss. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, sweet carrots, and colorful bell peppers all come together under a blanket of melty cheddar—everything merges in one pot for unbeatable flavor and easy cleanup.
I made this for the first time after a hectic school day and my family polished it off before I could even blink. Now it is my absolute go-to whenever I am craving something cozy and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: gives tender juicy bites be sure to cut into even pieces for uniform cooking
- Onion: build your aromatic base choose one that is firm and heavy for its size
- Garlic: provide fragrant undertones crush fresh cloves rather than using jarred for best taste
- Carrot: bring a hint of sweetness and color pick brightly colored carrots with smooth skin
- Red bell pepper: add vibrancy and crunch opt for a pepper that feels heavy and glossy
- Frozen peas: add pops of green and natural sweetness keep them frozen until use for best texture
- Long grain white rice: stay fluffy and separate after cooking rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch
- Low sodium chicken broth: infuses flavor without overpowering watch for a clear golden color and low sodium label
- Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into gooey pockets sharp cheddar lends extra tang choose freshly shredded cheese for best melt
- Heavy cream or milk: creates creaminess whole milk works if you want a lighter option
- Paprika: delivers mild warmth and color use sweet or smoked depending on your favorite flavor
- Dried thyme: adds herby background notes check the expiration date for fresh aroma
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning add more to taste if needed
- Olive oil: for sautéing choose extra virgin for greatest depth
Instructions
- Heat the Pan:
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat until shimmering. This ensures a nonstick surface and develops flavor from the start.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Add bite sized chicken and sprinkle with salt pepper paprika and dried thyme. Sauté for about four to five minutes stirring occasionally until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through as it will finish later. This seals in the juices and builds your flavor base.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add chopped onion garlic carrot and red bell pepper. Stir and cook for three to four minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent—this step releases their natural sugars and aromatics for a rich base.
- Toast the Rice:
- Stir in rinsed long grain rice. Toast it for one minute with the veggies and chicken—this helps prevent mushy rice and enhances its nutty aroma.
- Simmer with Broth:
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce heat to low cover and simmer for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Avoid opening the lid too often as steam is crucial for even cooking.
- Add Peas Cream and Cheese:
- Gently stir in the frozen peas half of the shredded cheddar and heavy cream or milk. Cook uncovered for two to three minutes until the cheese melts and the peas turn bright green all while infusing extra richness.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover once more and let sit off the heat for two to three minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a creamy topping.
- Fluff and Serve:
- Gently fluff with a fork to mix the melty cheese and fluffy rice together. Serve steaming hot.
Save to Pinterest When I first discovered the beauty of sharp cheddar in this dish it completely changed the flavor for me. My kids beg for extra cheese on top and I love how it pulls everyone to the table as soon as that melty aroma fills the kitchen.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to three days in an airtight container in your fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy consistency. For longer storage portion into individual containers and freeze up to two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken if you want a quick weeknight hack just add it closer to the end so it does not overcook. Cheddar cheese can be exchanged for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor or to use up what you have. If you are out of cream whole milk or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt stirred in at the end will keep things creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness. This also sits beautifully alongside garlic bread or baked sweet potatoes. For a fresh twist finish with chopped parsley or a splash of hot sauce just before bringing the pot to the table.
Cultural Roots
This dish is a classic of American weeknight cooking reflecting the love of comfort food that brings everyone together. The one pot method borrows from enduring traditions of casseroles and simple skillet suppers. Its popularity comes from how it satisfies appetites big and small with little cleanup.
Seasonal Adaptations
Switch in roasted butternut squash or baby spinach in the fall and winter Fresh zucchini or corn work wonderfully in summer months Use fresh garden herbs like parsley or basil for a springy version
Save to Pinterest Enjoy every bite while the cheese is still gooey and warm. This one-pot meal is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, substitute brown rice and increase cook time plus liquid to allow grains to soften fully.
- → What cheese alternatives work well here?
Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for varied flavor and melting qualities.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Omit the cheese and cream, swap with non-dairy cheese and milk for a similar creamy texture.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, use certified gluten-free broth and cheese to keep the dish naturally gluten-free.
- → Can I prepare this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add cooked chicken in step 6, reducing simmer time as needed.
- → What vegetables can be added or swapped?
Use broccoli, zucchini, spinach, or corn for variety and extra nutrition.