If you’re looking for a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying, let me introduce you to the heavenly Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice. This beloved recipe combines savory chicken and succulent shrimp with a cheesy flair that brings comfort and delight to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite offers a delightful combination of spice, cheese, and savory protein.
- Creamy Texture: The queso blanco sauce adds a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with the tender rice.
- Simple Ingredients: Using everyday ingredients makes this gourmet dish easy to create in any kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit family preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each element, from the succulent shrimp to the creamy cheese sauce, brings its own charm, creating a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible.
- Long Grain White Rice: Jasmine rice provides a fluffy base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut thinly for quick cooking and even coverage of spices.
- Large Shrimp: Tender shrimp adds a delightful seafood twist, complementing the chicken.
- Queso Blanco Velveeta: Melts smoothly for a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- Sazon Seasoning: Infuses the dish with a distinct Latin-inspired flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Variations
This Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice recipe is delightfully flexible! You can modify it to suit your taste and dietary needs without much hassle, adding personality and flair to every meal.
- Vegetarian Variation: Replace chicken and shrimp with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a flavorful veggie twist.
- Spicy Variation: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers seeking an extra spicy kick.
- Lighter Variation: Use brown rice and low-fat cheese for a healthier option that still packs tons of flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
In a skillet over medium/high heat, toast the rice, diced onion, and minced garlic in oil for 5–6 minutes. You’ll love how the onion adds sweetness while the garlic elevates the overall aroma. Stir in Sazon, chicken bouillon, and the rich enchilada sauce along with water. Bring this to a boil, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes without stirring. A brief rest afterward ensures your rice is perfectly fluffy!
Step 2: Craft the Cheese Sauce
Create a decadent cheese sauce by melting Queso Blanco Velveeta, evaporated milk, and diced chilies together over low/medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted for that creamy consistency that will drape beautifully over your chicken and shrimp!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Heat oil and butter in a skillet, then add the sliced chicken. Cook thoroughly in about 4–5 minutes before setting aside. Sauté the shrimp next—only 2 minutes per side! This rapid cooking ensures they remain juicy and tender. Toss them with spices for a burst of aromatic delight!
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Layer the rice on a serving plate, followed by the chicken and shrimp. Drizzle generously with cheese sauce, and if you’re feeling adventurous, wrap it all up in a warm tortilla for a handheld treat!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
- Ingredient Synergy: Enhance flavors by sautéing onions and garlic for a robust aroma that primes the rice.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid overcooking shrimp by adhering to precise cooking times for a perfect texture every time.
- Cheese Precision: Stir the cheese sauce constantly for a velvety texture that clings wonderfully to the rice and proteins.
- Bold and Balanced: Adjust the seasoning to taste, but be mindful of the salt in pre-packaged seasoning mixes.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a sprinkle of lime juice for a burst of color and flavor that elevates each serving to a new level of deliciousness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice with a crisp, refreshing salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors and provide a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in colorful bowls or embrace the fun of a taco-style presentation with warm tortillas, to add flair and personality to your dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, enhancing the dish with each passing day!
Freezing
To freeze, spoon the rice, chicken, and shrimp into a freezer-safe container and top with cheese sauce. Freeze for up to a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a touch of water to prevent sticking and stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time, which may affect the overall timing of your dish.
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What if I’m lactose intolerant?
You can opt for lactose-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk to craft a similar cheesy sauce that suits your dietary needs.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken and shrimp for a medley of mushrooms and bell peppers for a savory vegetarian alternative.
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How can I add more spice to the recipe?
Feel free to sprinkle additional chili powder or add sliced jalapeños to increase the heat level according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice is a dish that brings warmth and joy to the table, inviting you to explore flavors, textures, and creative combinations. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I’ve loved sharing it with you. Invite your taste buds on this exciting journey, and don’t hesitate to add your own touch to this delightful recipe!
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Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones is a flavorful, cheesy Mexican-inspired dish combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and fragrant jasmine rice in a rich cheese sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal or special occasion, this recipe balances savory spices with creamy cheese for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients
For The Rice
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (Avocado Oil preferred)
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon
- 1 packet Sazon Seasoning
- 19 oz Can of Red Enchilada Sauce
- 4 cups Water
For the Chicken And Shrimp
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 lb Raw, Peeled, Deveined, and Tail-Off Large Shrimp
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin
- 1 packet Sazon Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Each Salt and Pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
- 16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta or similar white American Cheese
- 12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
- 7 oz Can of Diced Chilies
- 8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
- To prepare the rice: In a skillet over medium-high heat, toast the rice, diced onion, and minced garlic in the oil, stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
- Add flavorings and liquid: Stir in the Sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, enchilada sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring to let the rice absorb the flavors.
- Rest the rice: After cooking, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 15 minutes. Do not stir during this resting period. Then, gently stir to fluff and combine.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, combine Velveeta, evaporated milk, diced chilies, and grated Pepper Jack cheese. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth. Let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook. Remove and set aside.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the cooked rice, top with cooked chicken and shrimp, then drape generously with the cheese sauce. Serve immediately, optionally with warmed tortillas for stuffing.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for best flavor, but frozen shrimp works well if properly thawed and drained.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the Sazon seasoning and chili powder.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen it.
- This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
