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Chicken Cheese and Rice Recipe

Chicken Cheese and Rice Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

Ah, chicken cheese and rice—comfort food at its finest. I fondly remember the first time I prepared this dish. It was a rainy day, the kind where the clouds seemed to hang low and the world outside looked a bit gray. 
I was on a quest to create something warming and satisfying. After rummaging through my pantry, I stumbled upon chicken, a block of cheese, and some rice. Little did I know, these simple ingredients would transform into a family favorite that night.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 387
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, diced
  • ½ teaspoon each of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, dried coriander leaves, and mild chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies 10 oz
  • 1 can of rich tomato purée 8 oz
  • 1 ½ cups cups of well-seasoned chicken broth
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
  • Creamy White Queso Cheese Dip, as desired
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, finely chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced chicken. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Incorporate Garlic and Tomatoes
  1. Now it’s time to bring in the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute. You want that garlicky aroma to fill your kitchen. Next, pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and tomato purée. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld for a few moments.
Step 3: Add the Rice and Broth
  1. Once the mixture is bubbling, add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens. The rice will absorb the rich flavors of the tomato and spices.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
  1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and soak in all those delicious flavors. Check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
  1. When the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in your creamy cheese dip, letting it meld into the hot rice and chicken mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Notes

  • Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist than breasts. If you like a richer taste, opt for thighs.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: While a queso dip is delightful, consider other melty options like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to suit your taste.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or spinach during the last few minutes of cook time for an extra nutrition boost.
  • Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle, and the rice firms up a bit.
  • One-Pot Wonder: To simplify clean-up, use a large skillet that's oven-safe. You can also bake it instead of simmering on the stovetop if you prefer.