Description
A cozy and dramatic chicken rice dinner with fluffy seasoned rice, tender saucy chicken, and a creamy molten cheese center that melts into every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat. If you want extra melted cheese on top, preheat the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes near the end.
- Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and garlic powder to a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then stir in butter until glossy.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken pieces, paprika, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in tomato paste and 2 tablespoons water, then simmer for 2 minutes until saucy.
- In a small saucepan, combine mozzarella, cheddar, and milk over low heat. Stir gently until melted and creamy.
- Spoon the rice onto a serving plate and shape it into a ring with a hollow center.
- Spoon the saucy chicken around and partly over the rice, then pour the melted cheese into the center.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and molten.
Notes
- Rinse the rice well so it cooks fluffy instead of sticky.
- Melt the cheese over low heat to keep it smooth and creamy.
- Serve right away for the best cheese pull.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken rice, chicken rice dinner, melted cheese rice bowl, comfort food dinner, chicken and rice recipe