A comforting one-dish meal with tender seasoned chicken, fluffy garlic rice, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. The exact ingredients cannot be determined from the photo alone, so this recipe is a close recreation of the dish shown.
Ingredients
For the chicken & rice:
- 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spread it evenly over the rice.
- Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Remove the cover and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Dinner
- Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Approx. Nutrition Per Serving
Estimated for 6 servings; values vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: ~570 kcal
- Protein: ~36 g
- Carbohydrates: ~48 g
- Fat: ~25 g
- Saturated Fat: ~11 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~700 mg
- Calcium: ~230 mg
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor: Brown the chicken well before baking.
- For fluffy rice: Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
- For a crispy cheesy top: Broil briefly at the end.
- For vegetables: Add broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
- For spicy flavor: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- For chicken breast: Cut it into even-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works well, but avoid overcooking it because it can become dry.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth and cooking time according to the rice package directions.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. Replace the heavy cream with additional chicken broth or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Broccoli, mushrooms, peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers are excellent additions.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. Make sure the chicken and rice reach safe cooking temperatures.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, but rice can become softer after freezing and thawing. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze.