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In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and satisfaction that a Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet brings to the table. This delightful dish perfectly embodies the essence of hearty home cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. Imagine tender, succulent chicken combined with fluffy rice and enveloped in creamy, melted cheese—it's no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite.

30-Minute Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Skillet recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy cheddar cheese, all cooked in under 30 minutes. Packed with wholesome ingredients like onions, garlic, and colorful veggies, it’s both nutritious and delicious, making it a hit with the whole family. Easy to customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables, it's sure to become a weeknight staple!

Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of mixed veggies)

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

        Incorporate Veggies: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

          Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

            Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings