With 1 ½ pounds of chicken, 2 cups of white rice, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, you can make a delicious Cheesy Rice in your rice cooker. This Cheesy Rice recipe will only take 50 minutes to make and serves 6. You can serve your Cheesy Rice with steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
To make your Cheesy Rice in the rice cooker, start by sautéing chicken, onion, and garlic in olive oil. Add the rice, chicken broth, and water to the cooker. After cooking, stir in cream of chicken soup and cheese, followed by mixed vegetables. Enjoy a hearty meal in just 50 minutes.
So, why wait? Dive into this easy, cheesy delight today. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Rice Cooker Cheesy Rice Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups white rice, uncooked
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
How To Make Cheesy Rice In Rice Cooker
- Start with the Chicken: If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to heat the olive oil. If not, do this step in a separate pan over medium heat.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: In the same pot or pan, add chicken, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until the chicken browns and onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer to Rice Cooker: If you used a pan, transfer the chicken mixture to your rice cooker. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and water.
- Cook the Rice: Close the lid of your rice cooker. Select the standard white rice cooking setting. Let it cook until the cycle finishes, usually about 20-30 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: After the cooking cycle, open the lid. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and shredded cheese until well combined and the cheese melts.
- Include Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the mixture. If the rice cooker has a ‘keep warm’ setting, use it to warm the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give everything a final stir to ensure it’s evenly heated. Your cheesy chicken and rice is now ready to be served.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Rice Texture: To avoid mushy rice, ensure you measure the broth accurately. Using a little less liquid than usual in a rice cooker can help maintain the perfect texture, especially when additional ingredients like vegetables and chicken are involved.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. A mix of sharp cheddar and a smoother cheese like Gouda or Monterey Jack can add depth to the dish. Each cheese brings its unique taste, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs infuse a fresh aroma and elevate the overall taste. It’s a simple touch that adds a homemade, crafted feel to the dish.
- Leftover Magic: Transform leftovers into a new meal by adding them to tortillas for cheesy rice burritos or using them as a filling for bell peppers. This approach not only minimizes food waste but also provides an exciting way to enjoy the dish in different forms.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Cheesy Rice: Add a kick to your dish by including diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This spicy twist is perfect for those who love a bit of heat with their cheesy goodness. It’s a simple addition that transforms the flavor profile dramatically.
- Vegan Delight: For a plant-based version, use vegan cheese and swap the chicken for tofu or a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. This variation caters to the vegan diet while maintaining the rich, comforting essence of the original recipe.
- Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp or chunks of white fish for a seafood variation. The subtle sweetness of seafood pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese, offering a gourmet twist to this homely dish.
- Mushroom and Spinach Cheesy Rice: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and spinach for an earthy flavor and added nutrition. This version is ideal for those looking to include more greens in their meals without compromising on taste.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid. Adjust the cooking time in your rice cooker accordingly, and consider increasing the liquid by about a quarter cup to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the condensed cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative. Also, ensure that the chicken broth and any other added ingredients are certified gluten-free. These simple swaps will make your Cheesy Rice safe for a gluten-free diet without compromising on taste.
What To Eat With Cheesy Rice
Pair your Cheesy Rice with roasted asparagus, a fresh garden salad, glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, or garlic toast. Alternatively, for increased protein, serve it with grilled chicken or fish, making it a full and fulfilling supper for any occasion.
How To Store Cheesy Rice
In The Fridge:
Leftover Cheesy Rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. If stored properly, it retains its flavor and texture, making it a convenient option for quick meals or side dishes during the week.
In The Freezer:
You can freeze your Cheesy Rice in the freezer for up to 2 months in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing and label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
How To Reheat Cheesy Rice
Reheat your Cheesy Rice leftovers by placing them in the rice cooker on the ‘keep warm’ setting for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove by adding a small amount of water or broth and stirring over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.
Check out More Rice Cooker Recipes:
- Mushroom Rice In Rice Cooker
- Goya Mexican Rice In Rice Cooker
- Vigo Cilantro Lime Rice In Rice Cooker
Cheesy Rice In Rice Cooker
Description
With 1 ½ pounds of chicken, 2 cups of white rice, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, you can make a delicious Cheesy Rice in your rice cooker. This Cheesy Rice recipe will only take 50 minutes to make and serves 6. You can serve your Cheesy Rice with steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
Rice Cooker Cheesy Rice Ingredients
How To Make Cheesy Rice In Rice Cooker
- Start with the Chicken: If your rice cooker has a sauté function, use it to heat the olive oil. If not, do this step in a separate pan over medium heat.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: In the same pot or pan, add chicken, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until the chicken browns and onions are translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer to Rice Cooker: If you used a pan, transfer the chicken mixture to your rice cooker. Add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and water.
- Cook the Rice: Close the lid of your rice cooker. Select the standard white rice cooking setting. Let it cook until the cycle finishes, usually about 20-30 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: After the cooking cycle, open the lid. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and shredded cheese until well combined and the cheese melts.
- Include Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the mixture. If the rice cooker has a ‘keep warm’ setting, use it to warm the vegetables for about 5 minutes.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give everything a final stir to ensure it’s evenly heated. Your cheesy chicken and rice is now ready to be served.
