Cheesy Chicken and Cauliflower Rice (High Protein)

April 1, 2025

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Published: Apr 1, 2025 by Cathy Chenard · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This cheesy chicken and rice is a quick, high-protein, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s warm, comforting, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Cheesy chicken rice topped with melted cheese, fresh herbs and more chili peppers and in a skillet.

This cheesy rotisserie chicken cauliflower rice skillet is one of our favorite simple and comforting weeknight meals. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it cozy and satisfying.

When cauliflower rice is seasoned just right and mixed with melted cheese, it turns into a comforting, feel-good dish. And adding rotisserie chicken makes it a high-protein meal that keeps you full.

It’s also super easy to make. With just a few store-bought ingredients like riced cauliflower, shredded rotisserie chicken, salsa, and cheese, you can have a hearty dinner ready in 20 minutes. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is quick and easy.

This dish is a complete meal on its own. You get protein from the chicken, fiber from the cauliflower rice, and cheesy goodness to tie it all together. No need for extra sides!

Ingredients

Cauliflower rice: The base of the dish. It soaks up flavor while keeping things low-carb and light. You can use fresh or frozen cauliflower rice. If you don’t like cauliflower, try riced broccoli.

Rotisserie chicken: To make this dish quick and easy, we simply use store-bought rotisserie chicken. You can also use shredded leftover chicken or grilled chicken if you prefer.

Regular salsa: Be sure to get a sugar-free salsa with clean ingredients. We use Tostitos Medium Salsa, which uses simple ingredients and doesn’t include sugar. See our full review of low-carb salsas here.

Canned diced green chiles: Adds a very mild heat and a slightly tangy flavor. If you want more spice, try chopped jalapeños. If you prefer a milder dish, you can leave these out.

Shredded cheese: The key to making this dish creamy and comforting. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. If you want a lower-fat option, try reduced-fat cheese. Pepper Jack is great if you like extra heat.

How to Make

Sauté the cauliflower rice: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cauliflower rice and stir regularly until it turns slightly golden and tender, about 10 to 15 minutes (depending if frozen or not). Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

Add the chicken, salsa and chilis: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, salsa and diced green chiles. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 3 minutes, so the flavors blend and any excess liquid slightly reduces. Lightly season with salt and pepper to taste.

All the ingredients in a pan except the cheese

Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. To melt, put under broiler for a minute or so, or cover pan with lid and let cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Serve: When done, serve immediately. Enjoy as is or top with extras like avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Cheese added to the pan and ready to be melted.

Finished cheesy chicken and rice in a skillet and topped with fresh herbs.

Important Note!

Some may be tempted to add more chicken for extra protein, but this changes the dish, making it less like a comforting rice-based meal. The cauliflower rice gets lost, and it no longer has the same feel as similar rice dishes such as rice and beans. Instead, it’s better to add a bit more cauliflower rice than chicken — just not too much, as it can throw off the balance.

Variations

There are so many fun ways to customize this dish. Here are some ideas:

Spicy kick: Add chopped jalapeños, use hot salsa, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Taco-style: Season with taco seasoning instead of garlic powder and serve with crushed high-protein tortilla chips on top.
Veggie-packed: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a little extra salsa before reheating.

More High Protein Dinner Recipes

If you try this recipe, we would love to hear your feedback! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag @lowcarbsimplified on your photo of this recipe on Instagram or Facebook. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

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