Rice With Chicken And Cheese
A comforting rice dish featuring tender chicken, melty cheese, and savory onion broth, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion and brown it in fat.
- Add salt and chicken broth to the pan.
- Bring to a boil and add the uncooked rice.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add cooked, diced chicken to the rice mixture and reheat.
- Sprinkle cheese on each serving before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for cooked chicken. You can also swap the cheese for a low-fat option or add some spices like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. If you prefer whole grains, use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice With Chicken And Cheese alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider pairing it with a light fruit salad for dessert. This dish also pairs beautifully with easy, delicious, nutritious 'Lemon Chicken' for a delightful dinner spread. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm it in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Chicken And Cheese contains roughly 267 calories, with 9g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2470mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes. Brown rice takes longer to cook due to its outer bran layer, so adjust the liquid accordingly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice due to its melting properties and flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).