Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this One-Pot Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Rice. The tender chicken melds beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce, while the pepper jack cheese adds a delightful kick that tantalizes the taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Rice: 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids: 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- Spices: 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main-dish
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 100 milligrams
Keywords: One-Pot Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Rice, creamy chicken recipe, easy one-pot meals, pepper jack cheese, chicken and rice, comfort food, quick dinner recipes, cheesy chicken dish, family-friendly meals, savory rice dishes, weeknight dinners, gluten-free recipes