Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe: A Family Favorite

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Childhood memories of hearty home-cooked meals flood back with every creamy, golden bite.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and fluffy rice in a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each mouthwatering spoonful.

Let’s uncover the magic of this irresistible recipe that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What’s Great About Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Conquer One-Pan Cooking: Simplify your meal prep with this single-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor without multiple pots and pans.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Elevate basic chicken and rice into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses family and guests with minimal culinary skills required.
• Create Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding different seasonings, or incorporating vegetables to match your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Satisfy Hearty Appetites: Packed with protein from chicken and filling rice, this dish provides a complete, satisfying meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this comforting one-pan meal.

• Uncooked Rice: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the flavorful broth and creates a hearty base.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor to both the chicken and rice during baking.
• Olive Oil: Helps with searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the baking dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and create a well-seasoned exterior.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add a rich, melty topping that provides a golden, crispy finish to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken and rice.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken And Rice Step By Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure every surface of the chicken is evenly covered with seasonings.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Rice

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish. Spread uncooked rice around and between the chicken pieces to create a delicious base.

Step 5: Add Moisture

Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken. This step ensures the rice stays moist and absorbs maximum flavor during baking.

Step 6: Create a Steamy Environment

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This sealed environment will steam the rice and keep the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is completely cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 9: Final Cheese Melt

Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 5-7 minutes. Watch the cheese melt and turn slightly golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and settle together.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. The bright herb adds a fresh element to this rich, cheesy dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Lightly coat the baking dish with olive oil to ensure the rice doesn't stick and comes out perfectly fluffy.
• Achieve Golden Crust: Sear chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a delicious golden-brown exterior and lock in flavor.
• Keep Chicken Moist: Cover the baking dish with foil during initial cooking to create steam, resulting in tender, juicy chicken that won't dry out.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle cheeses in the last 5-7 minutes of baking to get a perfectly melted, slightly golden topping without burning.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken and rice.

Flavor Ideas For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, maintaining the same cheese and seasoning profile for a keto-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary to the seasoning mix, swap cheddar for feta cheese, and include diced olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies into the seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern twist.

Perfect Sides For Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay perfectly complements the rich, cheesy chicken and rice, cutting through the creamy texture while highlighting the dish's subtle garlic notes.
• Balanced Side Selection: Roasted asparagus spears with lemon zest add a bright, fresh contrast to the hearty main course, providing a light vegetable element that cleanses the palate.
• Elevate with Crunch: Toasted garlic breadcrumbs sprinkled on top create a delightful textural contrast, adding a golden, crispy layer that enhances the dish's overall mouthfeel and flavor complexity.
• Refresh with Salad: Light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the cheesy, savory chicken and rice combination.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken And Rice Easily

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish whole or separate chicken and rice for better preservation.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing significant flavor or texture.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Q&A

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and adds deep flavor to the chicken, ensuring a more delicious and juicy final dish.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, as it absorbs liquid evenly and creates a perfect texture when baked with the chicken and broth.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, which guarantees it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked.

• Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?

Yes, covering the dish with foil traps steam and helps the rice cook evenly while keeping the chicken moist and tender during the baking process.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent cheesy chicken and rice promises a comforting journey through creamy, savory flavors that blend perfectly. Hearty ingredients merge into a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly coating it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and developing a nice exterior crust.
4. Transfer partially cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish and spread uncooked rice around and between the chicken pieces.
5. Pour chicken broth evenly over the rice and chicken, which will help create moisture and prevent the rice from drying out during baking.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that will steam the rice and keep the chicken tender.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
8. Remove foil and sprinkle both cheddar and parmesan cheeses over the top of the chicken and rice.
9. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become slightly golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and settle.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a bright, fresh element to the rich, cheesy dish.

Notes

• Sear chicken properly to lock in juices and create a flavorful golden crust that enhances overall dish texture.
• Choose long-grain white rice for best absorption and fluffy consistency when baking with liquid and chicken.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack or gruyere for unique flavor variations that complement the chicken.
• Control moisture by ensuring chicken broth is evenly distributed, preventing dry rice or undercooked chicken during baking process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg