Spicy Chicken and Rice Skillet with Cauliflower and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken and Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s both comforting and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 1 cup onion (chopped)
• 1 lb ground chicken breast (99% fat free)
• 1 cup brown rice (cooked)
• 10 oz cauliflower rice (frozen)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup reduced fat cream cheese
• 3 scallions (chopped)
• 1/2 cup fat free cheddar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Olive oil spray (for cooking)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the carrots, celery, and onions. Combine the garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and onion powder to create the seasoning blend.
2. Step 2: Spray a frying pan with olive oil spray and add the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the seasoning blend over them and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Spray the skillet again with olive oil spray and add the ground chicken breast. Break the meat apart with a spatula, season with the remaining seasoning blend, and cook until no longer pink. Remove and set aside with the vegetables.
4. Step 4: Add the frozen cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Then stir in the cooked brown rice.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken and vegetables to the skillet. Add the hot sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Fold in the reduced fat cream cheese until well combined. Add the chopped scallions, reserving some for garnish.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the fat free cheddar cheese on top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and allow the cheese to melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
• Use fresh cauliflower rice if preferred, but adjust cooking time as needed.
• Substitute ground turkey or lean beef if you want a different protein option.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and color.
• Serve with a side of steamed greens or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. If the dish thickens when reheated, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and use cooked white rice when adding it to the skillet.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce and chicken broth. Always check labels to be sure.

Spicy Chicken and Rice Skillet with Cauliflower and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

This Chicken and Rice Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal combining tender ground chicken, a medley of sautéed vegetables, brown rice, and cauliflower rice. Enhanced with a blend of spices and a creamy sauce made from reduced-fat cream cheese and hot sauce, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. Topped with fat-free cheddar and fresh scallions, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 10 oz cauliflower rice, frozen
• 3 scallions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)

Proteins & Dairy

• 1 lb ground chicken breast (99% fat free)
• 1/3 cup reduced fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup fat free cheddar cheese

Grains

• 1 cup brown rice, cooked

Liquids & Sauces

• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Olive oil spray (amount as needed)

Spices

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the carrots, celery, and onions into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Seasoning Blend: Combine garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, cumin, and onion powder in a small bowl to create a flavorful spice blend for the dish.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Spray a frying pan with olive oil and add the chopped carrots, celery, and onions. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the seasoning blend over the vegetables and cook them for about 10 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.
4. Set Vegetables Aside: Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside to use later in the recipe.
5. Cook Ground Chicken: Spray the skillet again with olive oil and add the ground chicken breast. Use a spatula to break apart the meat into small pieces. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning blend over the chicken and cook until it is no longer pink, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
6. Set Chicken Aside: Remove the cooked ground chicken from the skillet, placing it alongside the cooked vegetables.
7. Cook Cauliflower Rice and Brown Rice: In the same skillet, add the frozen cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes. Then add the cooked brown rice and stir to combine well with the cauliflower rice.
8. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the rice mixture. Add the hot sauce and chicken broth, stirring thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
9. Simmer: Let the skillet contents simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly creating a saucy consistency.
10. Add Cream Cheese: Fold in the reduced fat cream cheese to the skillet mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted and the dish becomes creamy.
11. Add Scallions: Stir in the chopped scallions, reserving some for garnish, to add freshness and a slight crunch to the dish.
12. Melt Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the fat free cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes off the heat so the cheese melts perfectly, creating a luscious topping.

Notes

• You can substitute the brown rice for white rice or quinoa if desired, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
• This skillet meal can be prepared in advance and reheated for convenient leftovers.
• Use a non-stick skillet or spray generously with olive oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
• Adding fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley as garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.

Keywords: chicken skillet, chicken and rice, one-pan dinner, healthy chicken recipe, low fat dinner, quick skillet meal