Description
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Zucchini Rice is a comforting and flavorful dinner packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked rice. Everything cooks together in one skillet for an easy family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 lbs chicken breasts, diced into small chunks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 large or 2 medium zucchinis, diced into small chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 1/4 cup rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and, once hot, add the diced chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess liquid and transfer chicken to a bowl.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add zucchini and cook another 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat. Stir in rice, chicken stock, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off heat and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting texture.
- Brown rice may be substituted, but cooking time and liquid amount will need adjustment.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
