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Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  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 prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cheesy-chicken-shrimp-rice/