Description

This Cheesy Buffalo Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and creamy melted cheddar cheese into a comforting one-pan meal. Cooked with long-grain rice and flavorful seasonings, this dish is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner with a spicy kick and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Rice and Broth

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth

Buffalo Sauce and Cheese

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables

1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green onions (divided)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
Combine Base Ingredients: In a large oven-safe skillet, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced celery, and half of the diced green onions. This mix will add texture and flavor throughout the dish.
Simmer on Stovetop: Bring the skillet mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid and flavors.
Add Cheese: Remove the lid after 15 minutes and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, which enriches the dish with cheesy texture and taste.
Bake in Oven: Transfer the whole skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked through and the top develops a slightly golden color.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish the dish with the remaining green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp finish.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from stovetop to oven cooking.
Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spice level to your preference.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals later in the week.
For a gluten-free meal, ensure the chicken broth and buffalo sauce do not contain gluten.
Substitute cheddar cheese for a dairy-free alternative if needed to make it lactose-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, cheesy chicken and rice, one-pan meal, spicy chicken recipe, cheddar cheese dish