Savor the rich flavors of Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice, a creamy, easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This irresistible recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked rice, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce that brings every bite to life. Whether you’re craving comfort food or an impressive meal to share, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously comforting: The creamy cheese sauce creates a warm and hearty meal that satisfies every craving.
Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
Protein-packed: Combining chicken and shrimp makes this dish a great source of lean protein.
Versatile and family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is key to making a successful Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice. Each component adds its own texture, flavor, or vibrant color to create a balanced, enticing dish you’ll love plating up again and again.

Boneless chicken breasts: Tender, easy to cook, and a great base for absorbing flavors.
Raw shrimp: Adds a sweet, seafood touch and cooks quickly to stay juicy.
Long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, light foundation that soaks up all the cheesy sauce perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly to create that rich, creamy texture every cheesy dish deserves.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and meat with savory depth without overpowering other ingredients.
Garlic and onion: Essential aromatics that build the base layer of flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the chicken and shrimp with a golden finish.
Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce and give it a luscious consistency.
Milk or heavy cream: Creates a silky smooth sauce that wraps around each grain and morsel.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but perfect for sprinkling brightness and freshness at the end.

Variations for Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Feel free to make the Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice your own by experimenting with different ingredients or adapting it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. This recipe invites creativity without sacrificing flavor or simplicity.

Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to bring heat.
Veggie boost: Stir in chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Different cheese blends: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for varied melty textures and flavors.
Gluten-free option: Swap regular flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free blend to thicken the sauce.
Herb infusion: Incorporate basil, thyme, or rosemary to complement the chicken and shrimp beautifully.

Irresistible Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice Recipe

How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by cutting the boneless chicken into bite-sized pieces and peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed. Dice onion and mince garlic so they’re ready to sauté. Measure out your rice and shred your cheese for smooth melting later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned but not fully done; remove and set aside. Next, sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with the chicken to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed and cook the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, forming the savory foundation of the dish.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Add the rice into the skillet with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat. Pour in additional chicken broth as directed by your rice package for cooking, cover, and simmer gently until rice is tender and has soaked up the flavors.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet, stirring to mix evenly with the creamy cheesy rice. Heat through for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Use even-sized chicken pieces: Ensures consistent cooking without drying out parts.
Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left on heat too long.
Toast the rice briefly: Sautéing rice before adding liquid enhances its nuttiness and structure.
Low and slow simmer: Cooking rice gently in the cheese sauce prevents burning and promotes creaminess.
Fresh cheese works best: For melting, opt for freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded bags with anti-caking agents.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the meal and add textural variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins or scoop into hollowed bell peppers for a fun and festive presentation that impresses guests immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture affecting the sauce consistency.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute milk with coconut or almond milk to keep it creamy.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice?

You can, though the cooking time will be longer and you may need to adjust the liquid amount accordingly.

What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?

You can use vegetable broth or even water with added seasoning as a quick substitute without sacrificing too much flavor.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions and garlic for a balanced heat.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice is a delightful and comforting dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether as a quick weeknight meal or an impressive centerpiece for dinner, it offers creamy, savory satisfaction that will keep everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Print Recipe

Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and fluffy rice all enveloped in a luscious cheddar cheese sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with protein, this dish is perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or special occasions, offering rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using cornstarch)

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Rice & Liquids

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth, divided
1 cup milk or heavy cream

Aromatics & Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

2 tbsp butter
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Thickener

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out the rice and shred the cheddar cheese for smooth melting.
Sauté the Chicken and Shrimp: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. Next, sauté the shrimp in the skillet just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed. Cook the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the cooked onions and garlic, stirring continuously to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the grains. Pour in additional chicken broth as directed by the rice package (approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups), cover, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the skillet. Stir gently to combine evenly with the cheesy rice. Heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Use even-sized chicken pieces for consistent cooking and juiciness.
Do not overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery; remove promptly when pink and opaque.
Toasting the rice briefly before adding liquid can enhance its nuttiness and texture.
Simmer the rice mixture gently over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a creamy consistency.
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: cheesy chicken rice, shrimp rice casserole, creamy chicken shrimp dish, one-pot meal, family dinner recipe