Ingredients You'll Need

This Cheddar Cheese Chicken and One-Pan Rice dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

6 chicken thighs or breasts (with or without skin)
1/2 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt
1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (homemade is fine)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 3/4 cups dry basmati rice
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 cups roughly chopped broccoli
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Combine the chicken with yogurt, cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, and minced garlic until well mixed. I prefer to mix it all in a bowl first before adding it to the rice.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Take a rectangular baking dish, around 9x13 inches. Add the dry basmati rice and chopped broccoli. Pour 2 cups of water over the top and drop in a few pats of salted butter. Place the chicken on top of the rice and broccoli. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of ranch seasoning.

Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. If the rice is still firm, you can add another 1/3 cup of water and bake for an additional 10 minutes. I’ve found that covering the dish isn’t necessary while baking.

What to Expect from This Dish

This roasted chicken dish stays perfectly moist, as the water from the rice keeps the chicken from drying out. I can’t stop raving to my friends about how delicious this meal is, and the broccoli is just as fantastic. It all comes together in a delightful blend of flavors. When serving, I often sprinkle some fresh cilantro or rosemary on top for an extra burst of flavor. It truly is the ideal meal for busy evenings when you still want something tasty.

How to Make Homemade Ranch Seasoning

To whip up your own ranch seasoning at home, simply mix the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon dried parsley

2 teaspoons dried dill

2 teaspoons dried chives

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all the ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious ranch seasoning ready for this dish!

Ingredients You'll Need