Description
A comforting one-pot dish that features tender chicken, creamy rice, and a golden cheesy topping, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or cream (or 1 cup plain Greek yogurt stirred in at the end)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 1 cup grated cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a sprig of fresh
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup white wine, lemon zest, or a pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F if you plan to bake for a golden top. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear and drain. Cut the chicken and chop the vegetables.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and brown on both sides until just golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Turn the heat to medium. Add butter and onion to the pan. Cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Stir in dried thyme and smoked paprika if using.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat. Toast lightly for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly opaque.
- If using wine, pour it in now and scrape any sticky bits. Add chicken broth and milk, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pan. Scatter frozen peas over the top. Cover, lower heat, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid, sprinkle cheese on top, and if desired, bake for 8 to 10 minutes until melted and golden.
- Let the pot rest for 5 minutes before serving. Stir gently to combine the cheesy top into the rice before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute protein or adjust the liquid amounts when using brown rice. Rinsing the rice is essential for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg