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Cheesy Chicken and Rice


  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A comforting and cheesy rice dish with tender chicken that brings warmth and nostalgia to family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cups Long Grain White Rice (Basmati Rice recommended)
  • 2 tbs Cooking Oil (Avocado Oil for richer taste)
  • 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
  • 45 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 1 Packet Sazon Seasoning
  • 1 tbs Chicken Flavored Bouillon
  • 16 oz Tomato Sauce
  • 4 Cups Water
  • 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs (your choice)
  • 2 tbs Butter
  • 1 tbs Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbs Onion Powder
  • 1 tbs Chili Powder
  • 1 tbs Cumin
  • 1 Packet Sazon Seasoning (again)
  • 1/2 tsp Each Salt and Pepper
  • 12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
  • 16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta
  • 7 oz Can of Diced Chilis
  • 8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat two tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat in a large pot.
  3. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the rinsed rice, coating each grain with the oil and aromatics.
  6. Incorporate the Sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer.
  7. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the mixture.
  8. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
  10. Stir in butter, evaporated milk, queso blanco, diced chilis, and grated pepper jack cheese into the rice until creamy.
  11. Return the chicken to the pot, folding it into the cheesy rice mixture.
  12. Serve hot, savoring each comforting bite!

Notes

Experiment with spices by adding smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken rice, cheesy dish, comfort food, family meal, easy recipe