Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (1–1/2 cups)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced (1 tbsp)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, baby bella recommended)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2–1/2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (whole recommended)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1–1/4 cups uncooked basmati rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for serving)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Melt butter and heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onion and cook for 3–5 minutes, until golden.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cubed chicken and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken turns white on the outside, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in rice and all seasonings. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in half the milk until smooth, then add the rest. Stir in broth while whisking constantly.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Remove lid. The rice should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Cover again and let stand off heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in half the cheese. Smooth the surface, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, cover, and let stand until melted.
- If desired, add heavy cream gradually while stirring gently. Serve hot, topped with parsley and sour cream.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best texture.
- Basmati rice works best for this recipe.
- If the rice is undercooked, add a splash of broth and cook a few more minutes.
- Letting the dish rest covered ensures the rice absorbs all the liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg