Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients: 2 cups long grain white rice (Jasmine); 2 tbsp cooking oil (avocado oil); 1 yellow onion, diced; 4-5 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp chicken bouillon; 1 packet sazon seasoning; 19 oz can red enchilada sauce; 4 cups water; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips; 1 lb raw, peeled, deveined large shrimp, tails off; 1 tbsp cooking oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 packet sazon seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta or any white American cheese; 12 oz can evaporated milk; 7 oz can diced chilies; 8 oz grated pepper jack cheese

Getting a hearty, flavorful dinner on your table takes just about 45 minutes with this Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe. It’s that perfect combo of tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and creamy cheesy rice that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

A white pot filled with cooked yellow-orange rice mixed with bright green peas, pink shrimp with tails, and small pieces of red bell pepper. The inside rim of the pot shows a brownish residue from cooking. A wooden spoon is partially buried in the rice on the right side. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with green peas. The pot is placed on a folded white cloth with textured edges, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first stumbled on this recipe when craving a one-pan meal that felt special but was still easy enough for a weeknight. What grabbed me was how the flavors meld beautifully — the cheesy sauce ties everything together like magic.

Comfort Food at Its Best: Cheesy, creamy rice paired with savory chicken and shrimp hits all the cozy notes you want in a dinner.
One-Skillet Wonder: From sautéing the protein to cooking the rice and melting cheese, it all happens in one pan, which means less cleanup!
Flavor-packed but Simple: With staples like Sazon seasoning, cumin, and Velveeta cheese, you get big, bold flavors without complicated steps.
Flexible for Your Taste: Whether you're adding veggies or swapping cheeses, this is a recipe you can easily make your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The key to this Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe lies in how the ingredients play off one another — the aromatic rice base, seasoned proteins, and rich cheesy sauce create a harmonious dish. Here’s why each element is essential.

Flat lay of a small mound of long grain white jasmine rice, a vibrant yellow onion whole and uncut, several peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden avocado oil, a small white bowl with bright red enchilada sauce, a small white bowl of clear water, raw boneless skinless chicken breast strips arranged neatly, raw peeled and deveined large shrimp without tails, a small white bowl of softened pale yellow butter, small piles of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin arranged symmetrically as fine powders, a small white bowl of white queso blanco cheese blocks, a small white bowl of grated orange pepper jack cheese, a small white bowl of diced green chilies, one whole uncracked brown chicken egg, all ingredients placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long Grain White Rice: I prefer jasmine for its subtle floral aroma and fluffy texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Cooking Oil (Avocado or similar): Provides a neutral, high-heat-friendly base for toasting the rice and sautéing the proteins.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet depth that pairs perfectly with garlic’s punch.
Garlic Cloves: Minced finely, they infuse the rice and proteins with an irresistible aroma.
Chicken Bouillon: Adds savory umami, enhancing the overall flavor without needing extra salt.
Sazon Seasoning: This magical packet delivers an earthy, slightly smoky flavor that ties the dish together.
Red Enchilada Sauce: Brings tang and color, creating a rich tomato base that transforms plain rice.
Chicken Breasts: Sliced thinly, they cook quickly and soak up the spices.
Raw Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp add a briny sweetness that contrasts the richness of the cheese sauce.
Butter: Adds a silky richness that helps the chicken and shrimp brown nicely.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin: These spices layer extra warmth and complexity into the proteins.
Queso Blanco Velveeta & Pepper Jack Cheese: Velveeta melts creamy and smooth, while pepper jack adds a subtle spice kick.
Evaporated Milk: Makes the cheese sauce luscious and silky without thinning it out too much.
Diced Chilies: Give little bursts of heat and texture that brighten up the cheese sauce beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe is how easily it can be tweaked just the way you like. I often swap out the pepper jack for a milder cheddar when cooking for my kiddo, or add in bell peppers and corn for more color and crunch.

Variation: I tried adding diced jalapeños once for extra heat, and it gave the bite a fantastic kick that really woke up the flavors.
Make it Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure your bouillon and Sazon packets don’t contain gluten additives.
Vegetable Boost: Tossing in some chopped spinach or broccoli florets right before adding the cheese sauce makes it a more veggie-friendly meal.
Swap the Cheese: Want a different twist? Try gouda or mozzarella for a milder, creamier sauce texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe

A white plate is filled with a single layer of yellow-orange rice mixed with green peas and small cooked shrimp scattered evenly across the dish, showing a soft and slightly moist texture. The rice is speckled with tiny bits of red pepper and onion, adding pops of red and white throughout. A silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate with some rice grains touching the fork's prongs. In the top left, part of a white pan with more of the same rice is visible, resting on a folded white cloth. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Toasting the Rice and Aromatics

I start by heating the oil in a medium-large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the rice, diced onion, and minced garlic, stirring consistently for about 5-6 minutes until the rice lightly toasts and the onion softens. This step adds a subtle nuttiness to the rice that just can’t be beaten.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice with Seasonings

Next, I stir in the Sazon seasoning and chicken bouillon, then pour in the red enchilada sauce and water. Bring it quickly to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to the lowest setting for about 15 minutes. A key tip here? Don’t stir while it’s simmering—that keeps the grains separate and prevents mush.

Step 3: Letting the Rice Rest

Once the simmer time is up, I remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for another 15 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice perfectly. When I finally stir it gently, the rice is fluffy and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheese Sauce

While the rice cooks, I make my cheesy sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat by combining Velveeta, evaporated milk, diced chilies, and shredded pepper jack. Stirring constantly, I melt everything down until smooth, then let it sit a few minutes to thicken slightly. Pro tip: Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the cheese.

Step 5: Cooking the Chicken and Shrimp

In a separate skillet, I heat oil and butter, then cook the seasoned chicken strips over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, I remove them and add another tablespoon of butter to cook the shrimp—about 2 minutes per side until just opaque. Don’t overcook shrimp, or they get rubbery!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Finally, it’s assembly time! I plate the rice, top with chicken and shrimp, then drizzle generously with that luscious cheese sauce. My favorite way to enjoy it is scooped into warm tortillas, turning it into a fun, handheld dinner.

Top Tip

Through making this recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn good into great. Trust me, these small details will help you nail it every time.

Low and Slow for Rice: Keeping the heat very low while the rice simmers prevents burning and ensures a tender texture.
Don’t Stir While Cooking Rice: It’s tempting, but stirring breaks down the grains and makes a mushy dish — resist and wait patiently.
Butter for Browning: Adding butter when cooking the chicken and shrimp gives them a beautiful golden color and richer flavor than oil alone.
Cheese Sauce Patience: Melt the cheese slowly on low heat, stirring constantly, to avoid grainy sauce or burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe

The image shows two white cast iron pots with black rims on a white marbled surface. The pot on the left contains three layers: a base of sautéed chopped onions and green bell peppers, topped with bright red tomato paste, and garnished with sliced red peppers arranged neatly in the center. The pot on the right holds a tomato-based broth with visible small chunks of vegetables floating throughout the orange-red liquid; in the middle, there is a mound of white rice topped with a bay leaf and two different powders, one yellow and one brown. Both pots have handles facing top and bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top to add a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of lime over the top is a game changer, adding bright acidity that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

When I want a little something extra, I serve this skillet with a simple side salad—mixed greens with a light vinaigrette—or some roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots to bring in some texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family-style dinners, I’ve laid everything out in separate bowls—rice, chicken, shrimp, cheese sauce, and toppings—letting everyone build their own plates or even wraps. It’s interactive and always a hit with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To keep the texture, I separate the rice from the cheesy sauce and proteins when possible, then combine before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and shrimp separately with good results. The rice and cheese sauce don’t freeze quite as well due to texture changes but can work if reheated gently. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the rice and proteins in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive moisture. I heat the cheese sauce gently on low in a saucepan, stirring constantly, then combine everything before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! I often use frozen shrimp when fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.

What can I substitute for the Sazon seasoning?

If you don’t have Sazon on hand, a mix of ground coriander, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of turmeric can work well to mimic its flavor. Just taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the Velveeta and cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and swap evaporated milk for coconut milk or any plant-based milk with a creamy texture to keep the sauce rich.

How spicy is this dish?

The cheese and diced chilies add a gentle, pleasant heat that’s not overpowering. You can always control the level of spice by choosing mild or hot chilies or omitting them altogether for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Rice Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little celebration in your own kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner with friends, the creamy cheese, juicy proteins, and flavorful rice come together just right every time. Give it a whirl—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, just like I do.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way