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Easy Creamy Chicken and Rice Dump Meal Recipe Perfect for Busy Nights

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A quick and easy creamy chicken and rice dump meal that requires minimal prep and delivers comforting, creamy flavor perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 300 g)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml), low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100 g), optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme on both sides. Optionally sear chicken in the skillet for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
  4. Pour uncooked rice evenly into the skillet around and under the chicken. Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. The liquid should just cover the rice.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Check halfway through to ensure rice has absorbed most liquid and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Add more broth or water if rice looks dry before time is up.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rinse the rice to retain starch for creaminess. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Searing chicken is optional but adds flavor and color. Watch liquid ratio closely to avoid soggy or dry rice. Cover with foil if cheese browns too fast. Adjust baking time if using brown rice. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, dump meal, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, one pot meal

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-creamy-chicken-and-rice-dump-meal-recipe-perfect-for-busy-nights/