Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Rice
Enjoy a wholesome dish of creamy rice and cheese paired with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded chicken breast
1 cup arborio rice
3 cups chicken broth
1½ cups milk
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup sautéed mushrooms
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp chopped basil
Preparation:
Add chicken, rice, broth, milk, mushrooms, seasoning, and salt to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Mix in cheese until fully melted.
Garnish with basil and serve warm.
#CheeseLoversRecipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken breast. Grate 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Clean and sauté 1 cup of mushrooms until golden. Measure out all remaining ingredients.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: To your slow cooker pot, add the shredded chicken, 1 cup of arborio rice, 3 cups of chicken broth, 1½ cups of milk, the sautéed mushrooms, 2 tsp of Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp of salt. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during cooking if possible, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
4. Add Cheese: Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and creates a creamy sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve: Stir in 1 tbsp of chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a colorful plate, serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.
How-to Summary
Combine chicken, arborio rice, broth, milk, mushrooms, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted, then garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of rice?
Arborio rice is ideal for its creamy texture, but you can substitute with long-grain white rice. Note that cooking times may vary slightly, and the result will be less creamy.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes. Sauté ingredients in a large pot, then add broth and milk. Simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked, then stir in cheese.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Using pre-cooked, shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or leftovers) is a great time-saver. Simply add it at the beginning with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare it fully and reheat it, but note that the rice will continue to absorb liquid. When reheating, you will likely need to add extra liquid to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Quick-Cook Rice: This will become mushy with the long, slow cooking. Always use traditional arborio or long-grain rice.
- Overcooking: Stick to the 4-5 hour window on low. Overcooking can cause the dairy to separate and the rice to become too soft.
- Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding the cheese at the beginning will cause it to break down and become oily. Always stir it in at the very end, off the heat.
- Not Stirring Occasionally: While you don’t need to stir constantly, giving the mixture one or two stirs during cooking helps prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you’ll achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy result every time. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
