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Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice

Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice
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Cheesy Chicken & Shrimp Rice is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese blend. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, delivering layers of savory flavors wrapped in a gooey cheesy embrace.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 chicken breasts, cleaned and seasoned
  • 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined

Grains

  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics & Liquids

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups warm chicken broth

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Proteins: Clean and season the chicken breasts and shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat, sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken, then cook shrimp in the same pan until pink and tender. Set both aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add a little more butter to the pan, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant to form the flavor base.
  3. Cook the Rice: Stir uncooked rice into the pan to coat in butter and aromatics. Pour in warm chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, cover and simmer gently until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and shrimp to the pan, folding them gently into the fluffy rice. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend generously over the mixture.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid and keep on low heat until the cheese melts into a creamy, gooey layer that ties the dish together.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for added freshness and color. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best flavor and texture.
  • Monitor rice carefully to ensure it stays fluffy and not mushy.
  • Combine sharp cheddar with mild mozzarella for balanced cheese flavor.
  • Let dish rest few minutes covered before serving to meld flavors.
  • Adjust seasonings like paprika or add herbs such as thyme or oregano for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken shrimp rice, creamy chicken shrimp rice, easy dinner recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, cheesy rice with seafood, family dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-chicken-shrimp-rice/