creamy chicken and rice bake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best creamy chicken and rice bake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my creamy chicken and rice bake recipe, a dish that has become a staple in our household. I first discovered this recipe while browsing through a cookbook, and I was immediately drawn to its simplicity and versatility. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy sauce is absolute perfection. My family and I have fallen in love with this recipe, and it’s become a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your taste preferences. You can add your favorite herbs and spices to give it an extra boost of flavor. My kids particularly enjoy helping me prepare the dish, as they get to sprinkle the cheese on top and watch it melt to a golden brown. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, this creamy chicken and rice bake is sure to become a favorite in your household too. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or side dish, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. In fact, my husband often requests it for his birthday dinner because he loves it so much.

So why not give it a try and see why we can’t get enough of this deliciously easy recipe? I promise you won’t be disappointed! As with any good recipe, the key is in the technique – don’t overmix the batter, and make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will ensure that your rice cooks evenly and your chicken stays tender.

A trick I’ve learned from experience is to use high-quality chicken broth for added depth of flavor – don’t skip this step if you want the best results! And did I mention how versatile this recipe is? You can serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for potlucks or picnics. Plus, with its comforting aroma wafting from the oven, everyone in the house will be asking when dinner will be ready – trust me, this one’s a winner!

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake

4.6 from 1139 votes

A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for a easy weeknight meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Rice

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper and paprika on both sides.
Set aside.
3In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
6Stir in the flour to create a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
9Add the chicken broth, thyme, and parsley to the skillet.
10Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
11Stir in the shredded cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12Remove from heat.
13In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
14Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice.
15Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring that both are fully covered.
16The chicken should be completely submerged in the sauce.
17Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
18Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
19The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a more flavorful dish. To make this recipe gluten free, use a gluten free flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake Works

This creamy chicken and rice bake has become a staple in our household for good reason – it’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and reheat when needed. Plus, with its comforting aroma wafting from the oven, everyone in the house will be asking when dinner will be ready!

And let’s not forget about all those leftover portions that can be frozen individually for up to 3 months – talk about convenient meal prep! So go ahead, give this amazing recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in place of cheddar?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a tangy twist.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

A: To achieve perfectly cooked rice without mushiness, make sure you’re using the right ratio of liquid to rice – about 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of uncooked rice should do the trick!

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble all the ingredients except for the cheese before baking – then top with cheese just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?

A: No worries – use water as a substitute or even better yet try making some homemade stock for added depth!

Q: Is there any way to make this dish more substantial?

A: Add some diced veggies like carrots or peas into the mix for an extra nutritional boost!

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Of course! Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months – simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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