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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup Arborio rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste

One-Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rice

Discover a delightful dinner solution with this One-Skillet Cheesy Chicken and Spinach Rice recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy meal features tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and fresh spinach all cooked in one pan. The combination of Arborio rice and flavorful ingredients creates a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy minimal cleanup while savoring a nutritious meal packed with protein and vitamins. Give it a go for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup Arborio rice (or long-grain rice)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice, allowing it to toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.

          Add Spinach and Chicken: Stir in the chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix well to combine, and cover the skillet again for another 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and the flavors to meld.

            Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the rice mixture. Cover the skillet for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.

              Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot straight from the skillet, enjoying the cheesy goodness with every bite!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings