Oh, my friend, you are in for a delightful treat today! Imagine a dish that brings together the tender flavors of chicken with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, all beautifully enrobed in a luscious cheesy sauce. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice recipe, a melody of flavors that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of chicken, shrimp, and cheese creates a burst of savory flavors.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion, from a family dinner to a weekend gathering with friends.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: This dish provides comfort in every bite, filled with gooey cheese and perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s get started with some straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavor. Each one plays a pivotal role in bringing this Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice to life with color, texture, and mouthwatering taste.
- 2 Cups Long Grain White Rice: I personally love using Jasmine for its subtle floral aroma.
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the rice base.
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, Minced: For that aromatic punch we all love in a savory dish.
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon: Enhances the overall flavor with a rich broth-like taste.
- 1 Packet Sazon Seasoning: For that classic Latin flair that’s absolutely essential.
- 19 oz Can of Red Enchilada Sauce: Provides that lovely tomato and chili flavor.
- 4 Cups Water: Just the right amount to cook the rice to perfection.
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into thin strips for easy cooking.
- 1 lb Raw, Peeled, Deveined and Tail-off Large Shrimp: Quick to cook and oh-so-tasty.
- 16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta: The cornerstone of your cheese sauce.
- 12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk: Makes the cheese sauce rich and creamy.
- 8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a hint of heat to the cheese sauce.
Variations
One of the beauties of this Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice is how adaptable it can be. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have at home, dietary needs, or simply to match your personal taste.
- Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
- Herbaceous Addition: Mix in fresh cilantro for an aromatic lift.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and shrimp, substitute with black beans and corn.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
Step 1: Toast the Rice
In a skillet over medium/high heat, toast the rice, onion, and garlic in oil for about 5-6 minutes. This step releases amazing flavors that become the foundation of your dish.
Step 2: Add Flavors and Cook
Stir in the Sazon, bouillon, enchilada sauce, and water. Bring it to a boil, then lower to a simmer for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to stir—it’s crucial for perfectly fluffy rice!
Step 3: Prepare Cheese Sauce
Combine all cheese sauce ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low/medium heat until the cheese melts smoothly. Let it thicken slightly by cooling down for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Start with cooking the chicken in butter and oil for about 4-5 minutes, then set aside. Next, introduce the shrimp in the same pan with more butter for around 2 minutes per side. They should be perfectly tender and juicy.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
- Perfect Sauté: To avoid overcooking, remove the shrimp from heat promptly once they turn pink.
- Rice Fluffiness: After cooking, let the rice sit undisturbed for 15 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: Achieve a velvety sauce by stirring consistently and gently while it melts.
- Ingredient Balance: Taste your cheese sauce before adding it to balance the seasoning perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice
Garnishes
Top this delectable dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, or a sprinkle of paprika for added warmth and depth.
Side Dishes
A light cucumber salad or a zesty coleslaw makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, flavorful Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your culinary masterpiece in a large, vibrant dish with contrasting cloth napkins to highlight the dish’s vibrant colors and enhance the dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time!
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Simply portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the dish to a microwave-safe container or an oven dish covered with foil, and warm until piping hot throughout. Stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While I love the texture of Jasmine rice, feel free to use basmati or brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! Skip the chicken and shrimp, and add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and beans to keep it hearty and delicious.
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How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting too thick?
If your cheese sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of milk while reheating until you achieve the desired consistency.
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What if I can’t find Sazon seasoning?
If Sazon isn’t available, a good substitute is a mix of achiote powder, cumin, garlic powder, coriander, and salt to taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice a try. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug, leaving you and your loved ones full and content. Enjoy each creamy, cheesy bite!
Print
Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latino/Latin American
Description
Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones is a flavorful and cheesy rice dish combining tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and a rich cheese sauce, all inspired by Latin flavors. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this recipe features seasoned rice cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, offering a comforting and satisfying experience.
Ingredients
For The Rice
- 2 cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine recommended)
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (Avocado Oil recommended)
- 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon
- 1 packet Sazon Seasoning
- 19 oz Can of Red Enchilada Sauce
- 4 cups Water
For the Chicken And Shrimp
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 lb Raw, Peeled, Deveined and tail off Large Shrimp
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin
- 1 packet Sazon Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Each Salt and Pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
- 16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta or similar white American Cheese
- 12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
- 7 oz Can of Diced Chilies
- 8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a skillet over medium/high heat, toast the rice, diced onion, and minced garlic in the oil, stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the Sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, enchilada sauce, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to very low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 15 minutes. Do not stir during this time to allow the rice to finish steaming.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over low/medium heat, combine Velveeta, evaporated milk, diced chilies, and shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let sit a few minutes to thicken.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium/high heat. Add chicken strips and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4-5 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add remaining butter to the skillet, then add shrimp. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the rice onto plates, top with chicken and shrimp, drizzle generously with cheese sauce, and serve warm. Optionally, warm tortillas to stuff with the mixture for extra enjoyment.
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime.
- You can substitute the seafood with other proteins such as chorizo or vegetables for a different variation.
- Ensure the rice is cooked on a very low heat to prevent burning during simmering.
- Cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or fried plantains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~1/6th of dish)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1250 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
