Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bowl
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 tbsp tomato paste (or ½ cup tomato sauce)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (optional):
Shredded cheese mix (cheddar and mozzarella)
Fresh tomato salsa (diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
In a pot, heat a little oil, add the tomato paste, and cook for 1 minute.
Add rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt.
Cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes until rice is tender.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Slice into strips.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a paste.
Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
Add shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Place a serving of rice in a bowl.
Top with sliced chicken.
Drizzle the cheese sauce over the chicken.
Add shredded cheese and tomato salsa on the side.
