This One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Dinner is a quick and hearty meal! With tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for busy nights.
I love how it all cooks together in one pot, which means less mess for me! Plus, who can say no to melty cheese? It’s a total family favorite! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. If you want a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken; just shred it and add it at the end for a few minutes to warm it up.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture and flavor. If you don’t have zucchini, consider using other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish, but you could use brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid needed for these substitutions.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for its melting quality. You can substitute it with a blend like Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds great flavor, but vegetable broth or water can be used if you’re in a pinch. Homemade broth will always enhance the taste!
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Rice Without Burning It?
Cooking rice perfectly can be tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy! Here are some tips:
- Make sure the broth is boiling when you add the rice; this helps it cook evenly.
- Once you cover and simmer, keep the lid ON. Lifting it can let steam escape.
- Set a timer! 15-20 minutes should work for white rice. Check at the lower end if you’re uncertain.
- After cooking, let it sit off the heat with the lid on for a few minutes. This helps any remaining liquid absorb.
Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have fluffy, delicious rice every time!
One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Flavor and Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious one-pot meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying dinner in about 40 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and cleanup is a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent. This step builds a great flavor base!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes or until it’s lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
3. Adding Rice and Zucchini:
Next, add the uncooked rice and diced zucchini to the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the veggies and rice start soaking up all those delicious flavors!
4. Boiling and Simmering:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The rice should become tender and the chicken should be fully cooked during this time.
5. Melting the Cheese:
After cooking, carefully remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the rice and chicken mixture. Cover it again and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey!
6. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Now it’s time to serve! Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and nutritious one-pot meal. It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table with minimal cleanup. Happy cooking!
FAQ for One-Pot Cheesy Zucchini Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Make sure to add extra liquid (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) to ensure it cooks properly.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, feel free to use other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli. Just remember to chop them into small pieces and adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different veggies have varying cooking times.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein such as chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you can add even more veggies for a hearty vegetarian meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the dish moist while reheating.
