Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family? Try this Grilled Chicken Cheesy Rice! This dish combines perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy queso for a comforting and flavorful meal.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the quick preparation make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. With ingredients readily available at Ingles, you can whip up this hearty dish in no time. Let’s dive into the details and discover why you’ll love this recipe, along with some tips for making and storing it.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick and Easy: This meal can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy queso creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- Comforting: The cheesy rice provides a comforting, hearty base that pairs perfectly with the juicy grilled chicken.
- Versatile: This dish is easy to customize with different seasonings, types of cheese, or additional toppings like fresh herbs, vegetables, or a squeeze of lime.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with kids.
- Minimal Cleanup: With only a few components, cleanup is quick and straightforward.
- Easily Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe is easy to scale up or down.
- Accessible Ingredients: All ingredients are readily available at Ingles or any local grocery store.
- Nutritious: Provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
- Delicious Leftovers: Tastes great even the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- 1 package of rice: Cooked according to the package instructions.
- 1 jar of queso: Creamy and ready to smother your dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For grilling the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings.
- Optional spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder.
Instructions:
- Season and Grill the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Rice:
- Prepare the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the rice, reducing the heat, and letting it simmer until tender. Fluff with a fork once cooked.
- Plate the Dish:
- Assemble: Place a generous serving of cooked rice on each plate. Top with the sliced grilled chicken.
- Smother with Queso:
- Heat the Queso: Warm the queso according to the jar’s instructions, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Pour the warm queso over the chicken and rice generously.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making:
- Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
- Cheese Variations: If you can’t find queso, use any melted cheese or cheese sauce you like. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a homemade cheese sauce work well.
- Add Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or corn to the rice. Simply sauté the veggies in a bit of olive oil until tender, then mix them into the cooked rice.
- Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Rice Options: Use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a different twist. Each type of rice brings its own unique texture and flavor to the dish.
- Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a grill, cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the seasoned chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Marinating: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight before grilling. Use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices.
How to Store:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken and rice in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh queso.
Additional Tips:
- Batch Cooking: Grill extra chicken and cook more rice to use in other meals throughout the week.
- Meal Prep: Prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and heat when ready to eat.
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Customize: Add your favorite hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.
