This One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Zucchini & Rice is a comforting dish that’s easy to make! You get tender chicken, veggies, and creamy cheese all cooked together in one pot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like boneless, skinless thighs for their moistness, but breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian dish.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect here, but feel free to use brown rice if you prefer a healthier alternative. Just be mindful—brown rice takes longer to cook!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is great for added texture and nutrition. You can swap it for yellow squash or even spinach if zucchini isn’t available. Those leafy greens will cook down nicely!
Cheese: Cheddar adds a rich flavor, but you can mix it up with gouda or pepper jack for a little heat. Dietary needs? Nutritional yeast makes for a tasty, dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Make Sure My Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking rice in this dish might sound simple, but it requires attention to detail. Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked just right:
- Rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, preventing it from getting gummy.
- When you pour in the broth, make sure it’s at a rolling boil before reducing the heat. This helps the rice start cooking evenly.
- Covering the pot is crucial—it traps steam and cooks the rice through.
- Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. This lets steam escape and can result in undercooked rice. Trust the process!
- Letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking helps it firm up. Fluff it up with a fork before serving!
One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Zucchini & Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Zucchini & Rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and season them with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Combine Rice and Spices:
Next, stir in the rinsed rice along with the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the rice gets coated with the oil and aromatics for maximum flavor.
4. Add Broth and Bring to Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This step is essential for cooking the rice properly.
5. Simmer with Chicken and Zucchini:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and return the browned chicken to the pot. Add in the diced zucchini, and give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is fully tender and has absorbed all the broth.
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and optional Parmesan cheese over the dish. Gently fold the cheese into the rice mixture until it melts and becomes creamy. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Enjoy your cheesy, comforting, and nutritious one-pot meal! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just remember it requires a longer cooking time, about 30-40 minutes. You may also need to add a bit more broth to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be milder, so consider adding additional seasonings to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them in a bowl, adding a splash of broth or water to help loosen the dish, or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for protein, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also toss in more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition!
