Description
How to make sticky sweet smoky buffalo cheddar chicken rice skillet with tender chicken and melted cheese that brings comfort food perfection to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Buffalo Sauce Blend
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
Seasonings and Dairy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients to allow flavors to absorb.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown on most sides. Don’t worry about cooking through completely.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push chicken to one side of skillet, add diced onion and garlic to empty space. Cook 2-3 minutes until onion softens and becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together buffalo sauce, honey, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and liquid smoke in small bowl. Pour over chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Add Rice: Stir in uncooked rice and chicken broth, making sure rice is completely submerged. Bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly with lid.
- Simmer Covered: Cook covered for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Don’t lift the lid during cooking or steam will escape and rice won’t cook properly.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese over top, and dot with remaining butter. Let stand covered 5 minutes, then fluff gently and serve while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while rice cooks or steam escapes and rice won’t cook evenly.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Substitute mild buffalo sauce and add extra honey for kid-friendly version.
- Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add splash of broth when reheating to restore creamy texture.
- Toast rice in butter before adding liquid for deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
Allergy Information: Dairy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 35g