Imagine coming home after a long, exhausting day, craving a hearty, satisfying meal but dreading the thought of spending hours in the kitchen. Fear not, my friends! Chef Emma Brookstone is here to save the day with her lightning-fast Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in 10 Minutes! This quick and easy recipe is the ultimate solution for busy people who want to enjoy a real, homemade dinner without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
Prepare to be amazed at how this simple, microwave-friendly meal can satisfy your cravings and nourish your body. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll have a comforting, protein-packed dish ready in just 10 minutes. The best part? It’s all made in a single mug, so there’s hardly any cleanup involved. Bye-bye, endless pots and pans! This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is the ultimate busy-day savior, delivering big flavors and the cozy feeling of a home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen: boneless, skinless chicken breast, instant rice, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and a splash of water. The result is a hearty, cheesy, protein-packed meal that comes together in a snap.
- 4 oz (1 cup) – Diced boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup – Instant rice
- 1/2 cup – Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup – Cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup – Milk
- 2 tbsp – Water
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The possibilities are endless!
- Cheese: Prefer a different type of cheese? Go ahead and use cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
Alright, let’s get this party started! Buckle up, because we’re about to whip up a delicious dinner in record time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Measure out the instant rice and have your can of cream of chicken soup and milk ready to go. This quick prep work will make the actual cooking process a breeze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large, microwave-safe mug, combine the diced chicken, instant rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, and a splash of water. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and stir in the shredded cheese. Let the mixture sit for a minute or two, allowing the cheese to melt and create a deliciously creamy sauce.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Give the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal a final stir, then dig in and enjoy! This hearty, comforting dish is the perfect weeknight solution for busy home cooks.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Veggie Boost: If you’re in the mood for something extra special, try stirring in a handful of frozen peas or corn for added color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick.
- Creamier Texture: For an extra creamy texture, consider swapping the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Cheesy Goodness: Amp up the cheesy flavor by using a blend of different shredded cheeses.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: a fresh green salad or your favorite steamed veggies.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers, simply cover the mug and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy, just pop it back in the microwave for a minute or two to reheat.
Make-Ahead: You can easily prepare the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the final cooking step, then cover and refrigerate the mug until ready to enjoy.
Nutrition Info
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is a nutritious and satisfying dinner option, providing a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a great way to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
FAQs
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal gluten-free, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version, and use gluten-free instant rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced tofu or your favorite meat-free protein. For a vegan option, use a plant-based milk and cheese alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the final cooking step, then cover and refrigerate the mug until ready to enjoy.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
To boost the veggie content, try stirring in frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers. You can also serve the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal over a bed of fresh spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is not inherently spicy. However, if you’d like to add a little heat, consider sprinkling in a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal in 10 Minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is a quick and hearty dinner option that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, all made in just 10 minutes in your microwave.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken.
2. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine.
3. Mix in the frozen peas, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Stir well to combine all ingredients and melt the cheese.
7. Let it cool for a minute before enjoying.
Notes
For extra flavor, add your favorite spices or hot sauce. This recipe is easily customizable with different vegetables or cheese types.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg