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Creamy Southern Loaded Chicken and Rice Easy One-Pot Recipe

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A simple, comforting, and satisfying one-pot Southern chicken and rice dish with creamy, cheesy rice, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4–6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or mild chili powder
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook 4-6 strips of bacon in a large deep skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden and nutty smelling to make a roux.
  5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Cook undisturbed for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  7. Gently fold in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top just before serving.

Notes

Use almond milk with cornstarch for dairy-free creaminess. Substitute gluten-free flour or cornstarch for all-purpose flour to make gluten-free. Bacon can be replaced with smoked sausage or ham. Avoid lifting the lid while rice cooks to ensure proper steaming. Add splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick. For leftovers, reheat gently with added broth or cream. Freeze before adding cheese and green onions for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, one-pot meal, Southern comfort food, loaded chicken and rice, easy dinner, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-southern-loaded-chicken-and-rice-easy-one-pot-recipe/