Cheddar Chicken and Rice Skillet

Transform weeknight dinners with this one-pan Cheddar Chicken and Rice Skillet, a comforting, cheesy dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Succulent seared chicken breasts and tender long-grain white rice are infused with rich flavors from garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika, simmered to perfection in savory chicken broth. Creamy heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese create a luscious, melty sauce that’s studded with vibrant green peas for a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy evenings, offering a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch, and enjoy this warm, flavorful skillet straight from the stove! Keywords: cheddar chicken and rice, one-pan dinner, easy skillet meals, cheesy chicken and rice, family-friendly recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.

Step 3

Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside (it will cook through later).

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the rice, coating it in the oil and aromatics for about 1 minute.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 9

Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside on a cutting board. Stir the heavy cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the rice.

Step 10

Add the frozen peas and let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 11

Slice the chicken breasts and return them to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 12

Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Step 13

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1845.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2547.3

Total Fat 139.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 685.6mg	0%
Sodium 5218.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 100.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 206.6g	0%

Vitamin D 40.5IU	0%
Calcium 1401.2mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 2532.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.6%

Protein: 33.2%

Carbs: 16.2%