cheesy chicken and rice bake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cheesy chicken and rice bake recipe

I’ve been making this cheesy chicken and rice bake recipe for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and feeds a crowd.

I like to think of it as a cross between a casserole and a soup, with the creamy cheese sauce and the tender chicken and rice. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, and my husband appreciates how easy it is to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.

I’ve even served it at potlucks and gatherings, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser. One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different spices or herbs, or using different types of cheese.

I’ve also found that it freezes well, so I can make a big batch and store it in the freezer for later. My family loves this recipe because it’s hearty and satisfying, but also relatively healthy compared to some other comfort foods.

We like to make it on busy weeknights when we need something quick and easy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables if you have them on hand.

The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to make – just mix everything together in a bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown. It’s perfect for families who are short on time or ingredients, but still want to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

4.6 from 636 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a family dinner. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp garlic powder

For Topping

0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
3Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4Add chicken breasts, cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
6In the same skillet, add rice, stir to combine with onion and garlic.
7Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil.
8Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
9Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
10While the rice is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce.
11In a mixing bowl, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
12Add flour and whisk to form a paste.
13Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
14Add cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
15Stir until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
16Remove from heat.
17Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
18In a baking dish, combine the cooked rice and sliced chicken.
19Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and rice, stirring to coat evenly.
20Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
21Drizzle with 2 tbsp melted butter.
22Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
23Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

This cheesy chicken and rice bake recipe is one of my go-to dishes for family gatherings or potlucks because it’s so easy to make and feeds a crowd. Plus, everyone loves the creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken.

When reheating leftovers, I like to add some extra veggies like frozen peas or chopped bell peppers to give them an extra boost of nutrition. For serving ideas, consider pairing this dish with some crusty bread or salad on the side – both complement the flavors nicely without overpowering them.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

I like to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for this recipe, as they melt well together and provide a nice balance of flavors. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or American, if you prefer.

Q: Can I use cooked rice instead of raw rice?

Yes, you can definitely use cooked rice in this recipe if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – cooked rice will cook faster than raw rice.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning during baking?

To prevent the cheese from burning during baking, cover the dish with foil for most of the cooking time and remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance – just assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish without baking it, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

Similar Posts