Start by cubing the chicken breasts. Aim for even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. The size doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to keep them around one-inch cubes for the best results.
In a deep-sided skillet, drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil and set it over medium-high heat. The oil will help sear the chicken, giving it a nice golden color. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken and cook, turning occasionally. Keep an eye on it until the pieces start to turn golden on all sides, which usually takes around five to seven minutes.
Next, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it for about five more minutes over medium-high heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant. The aroma will be a delightful hint of what’s to come. Don’t rush this step; allowing the onion to caramelize slightly enhances the dish's flavor.
Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Sauté for about thirty seconds until the garlic releases its rich aroma; be careful not to burn it, as that can make it taste bitter.
Stir in the raw brown rice, chicken broth, and all of the dried herbs: basil, oregano, and thyme. Give everything a good stir. This will ensure that the rice is well-coated with the flavors. After stirring, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to let it simmer for about thirty minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
While the rice is cooking, roughly chop the fresh spinach. When the rice is just about done, stir the chopped spinach into the mixture. You want the spinach to wilt but still retain a vibrant green color, which should take just a couple of minutes.
Next, stir in the grated cheddar and sour cream, mixing everything well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. The cheddar will add richness that’s simply irresistible.
Use the back of your spoon to spread the mixture flat in the skillet. This helps create an even layer for the topping.
Sprinkle the whole wheat bread crumbs on top of the dish. This is what gives it a lovely crunchy texture. Now, broil the dish for about four to seven minutes, keeping a close eye on it. You want it to turn golden brown and crispy.
Finally, once it’s done, serve the Cheesy One Pot Chicken and Rice hot. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
