When I order at my local restaurants, chicken cheese and rice always tops my list. This dish merges creamy, cheesy sauce that beautifully coats both rice and tender chicken, crafting an irresistible meal.
It’s delightfully comforting, simple to make, and the whole family truly loves it. Every bite delivers a comforting, home-cooked feel, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Long grain white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasonings like chili flakes and cumin
- Minced garlic and chopped onions
- Can of rotel
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Can of tomato sauce
- Butter and olive oil
- Dried and fresh cilantro
How to Make
- Begin by slicing your chicken into small pieces. Place these pieces in a skillet and melt butter over medium-high heat until it’s melted. Then add the chicken to the hot skillet.
- As it starts to cook, season it with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, dried cilantro, and chili powder, making sure to stir everything thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Next, move the chicken towards the edges of the skillet with a spatula. Pour in some Olive oil and add rinsed rice. Allow the rice to toast briefly, which brings out a nutty flavor.
- Add minced garlic, Rotel, tomato sauce, and chicken broth into the mix. When the contents start to bubble, lower the heat and cover with a lid. Let it all cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Try to keep the lid on as much as possible to avoid extending the cooking time, allowing the rice to finish absorbing flavors and liquids just right.
Serving
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the lid and pour grated cheddar cheese over the rice. Let it melt completely. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro over it.
Although, it’s a complete meal in itself. You can spread it onto tortilla wraps and pair it with tortilla chips. This meal also goes best with side salad and roasted vegetables.
For More Recipes
Storing Leftovers
When preparing chicken, cheese, and rice dishes, managing leftovers effectively can help retain freshness and flavor. Once you’ve finished your meal, promptly store the leftover rice and chicken in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. These leftovers can stay fresh for up to three days.
To enjoy your dish another day, you can reheat by keeping the dish covered for 20 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated.
Pro Tip: Instead of white rice, brown rice can also be used. Brown rice takes a long time to cook so I manage it according to package instructions.
