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Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake
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Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This easy one-dish meal combines simple pantry ingredients into a warm, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends. Customizable and family-friendly, this bake balances creamy textures and hearty flavors for an all-around crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids & Dairy

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and mozzarella), divided

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop any optional vegetables. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
  2. Combine the Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream soup, milk, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, chopped onion, minced garlic, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth and well combined.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Add the diced chicken, rinsed rice, and optional vegetables into the creamy mixture. Gently stir everything together ensuring even coating throughout.
  4. Bake the Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese form a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the dish set for easier serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor.
  • Allow the bake to rest after baking so the rice absorbs juices and firms up.
  • Check liquid levels during baking; add extra broth if the dish seems too dry or rice isn’t fully cooked.
  • Layer cheese both in the mixture and on top for melty, golden coverage.
  • For quicker prep, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken without compromising flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, chicken casserole, comfort food, cheesy rice bake, easy dinner, one dish meal, family friendly, baked chicken and rice

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/cheesy-chicken-rice-bake/