Easy One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice

Posted on

Chicken Recipes

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

This one-pot meal is a winner! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and fresh zucchini, it’s a quick and tasty dinner idea that’ll please the whole family.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing! If you don’t have it, feel free to use vegetable or canola oil. I think olive oil gives a lovely flavor, but whatever you have on hand works.

Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. If you want a meatless option, consider chickpeas or tofu. They add a nice texture and flavor to the dish!

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is perfect here, but if you can’t find it, yellow squash is a good substitute. You can also add bell peppers or spinach for more veggies!

Cheese: I use cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for creaminess. If you need to avoid dairy, there are many tasty vegan cheese alternatives on the market. Nutritional yeast is also a great dairy-free option for a cheesy flavor.

How Do I Cook Rice Perfectly in One Pot?

Cooking rice perfectly in one pot is essential for this recipe. It’s all about the timing and the right amount of liquid. Here’s how to nail it:

  • Rinse the rice well before cooking to get rid of excess starch, which can make it gummy.
  • Toast the rice in the pan with onions and garlic for a minute to enhance its flavor.
  • Make sure to use the right water-to-rice ratio. Typically, 1.75 cups of chicken broth is just enough for 1 cup of long-grain white rice.
  • Simmer uncovered for the first part of cooking. If you cover it too soon, the rice might not absorb liquid evenly.
  • Don’t lift the lid while cooking! This keeps steam in, which is essential for fluffy rice.

Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have perfect rice every time. Enjoy cooking!

Easy One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice

Easy One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 medium zucchinis (green and/or yellow), sliced into half-moons
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook, so you can expect the whole process to take about 50 minutes. This includes time for the chicken to get nicely browned, and for the rice to cook perfectly in one pot. Let it settle after cooking, and you’ll have a comforting, cheesy meal ready to serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when the dish goes in!

2. Sauté the Chicken:

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they are lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, just around 4-5 minutes. Once they’re nice and golden, remove the chicken and set it aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, mix in the minced garlic, oregano, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Let it cook for another 30 seconds until everything smells wonderful!

4. Toast the Rice:

Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes. This toasting step brings out the flavor in the rice and makes your dish even tastier!

5. Add the Liquid:

Next, pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and get everything combined.

6. Mix in Chicken and Zucchini:

Add the browned chicken pieces and sliced zucchini to the pot, stirring gently to distribute them evenly. Taste your mixture, and if needed, add more salt and pepper to suit your liking.

7. Cheese it Up:

Here comes the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Make it as cheesy as your heart desires!

8. Bake the Dish:

Cover the skillet with a lid or some foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 25 minutes. After that, remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is deliciously bubbly and golden brown, and the rice is tender.

9. Let it Rest:

Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps to set everything nicely!

10. Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. Don’t forget to sprinkle them with some black pepper or red pepper flakes if you want a little extra spice! Now sit back, dig in, and enjoy your cheesy, comforting one-pot zucchini chicken and rice!

This dish is a fantastic balance of flavors, and by cooking everything in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Happy cooking!

Easy One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or submerge it in cold water in a sealed plastic bag for a quick thaw.

What Can I Substitute for Rice?

If you prefer a different grain, quinoa or brown rice can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly since these grains may cook quicker or require more liquid. Follow the package instructions for best results!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and replace it with extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. For protein, consider adding canned chickpeas or tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!

Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further clarifications about this delicious dish! Enjoy your cooking!

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment