Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe: Simple Joy in One Pan

Weeknight dinners demand a comforting meal that satisfies every hungry soul, and this cheesy chicken and rice delight recipe delivers pure magic on a plate.

Melted cheese cascades over tender chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavor and texture.

Each bite promises warmth and richness that feels like a culinary embrace.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a delectable experience for anyone seeking a hearty meal.

Protein-packed chicken mingles with creamy rice, forming a classic combination that never disappoints.

Seasoned with love and topped with golden, bubbling cheese, this dish transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable dining moment.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a true comfort food champion.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Ingredients Guide

• Cooked Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked protein that adds hearty substance to the casserole.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances deep flavor and keeps the dish moist during baking.

• Butter: Brings rich, smooth texture and adds depth to the overall taste.
• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety consistency and tangy undertone.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides silky base and amplifies savory chicken flavor.

• Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and zesty punch to the dish.
• Italian Dressing Mix: Introduces complex herb and seasoning profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates the entire dish's taste.
• Shredded Cheese: Delivers gooey, melty topping with sharp, creamy finish.
• Rice: Serves as hearty, filling foundation for the casserole.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, bright garnish with subtle herbal note.

Setup Tools for Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• 9×13 inch casserole dish: Essential for baking and serving the entire meal.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for softening butter and cream cheese quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Great for blending cream cheese and butter smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking in the casserole dish.
• Foil: Covers the dish during baking to prevent over-browning.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping parsley for garnish.

Prepping Cheesy Chicken and Rice with Ease

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven temperature to create a cozy cooking environment for your delicious meal.

• Creamy Mixture Preparation

Blend softened dairy ingredients until they form a silky, smooth texture that will give your dish a rich foundation.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of savory ingredients in a large bowl, mixing until everything is perfectly integrated.

• Dish Assembly

Transfer the vibrant mixture into a baking dish, creating an even layer and topping with a generous sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible golden finish.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish and let the oven work its wonder, transforming your ingredients into a bubbling, aromatic masterpiece.

• Finishing Touch

Allow the dish to rest briefly, then add a fresh green garnish before serving up a comforting meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Ways to Boost Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Chicken and Rice Magic Moves
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or tofu for diverse protein options that keep the meal exciting and adaptable.
• Veggie Boost: Fold in chopped bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch mix, taco seasoning, or herbes de Provence to transform the flavor profile without changing core ingredients.
• Cheese Playground: Mix different cheese varieties such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère to create unique flavor dimensions and personalize the dish's taste intensity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknight meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Confidently

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a comforting main dish that brings everyone together around the table, perfect for weekly family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
• Protein-Packed Side Pairing: Complement the dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance the rich, cheesy flavors of the chicken and rice casserole.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Reheat individual portions the next day for a quick and satisfying lunch, or pack in meal prep containers for an easy grab-and-go office meal that tastes just as delicious as the first serving.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or potlucks, where its creamy texture and cheesy goodness will make it disappear quickly from the buffet table.

Store Cheesy Chicken and Rice Right

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Quick Reheat Hack: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight dinners super convenient and stress-free.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy chicken and rice delight brings together comforting flavors from classic home cooking. Home cooks appreciate its simple ingredients and quick preparation that deliver maximum satisfaction for hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup butter, room temperature and cubed
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 10.5 oz (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.7 oz (20 grams) Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Cheese Mixture: Melt butter and cream cheese in microwave, whisking until smooth and creamy, forming a luxurious base for the casserole.
3. Combining Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend cooked chicken, rice, melted cream cheese mixture, condensed chicken gravy, minced garlic, italian seasoning, chicken broth, and half the grated cheese, ensuring thorough incorporation and even seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Assembly: Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheese to create a golden, appetizing surface.
5. Baking: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become bubbly and slightly crisp.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving this comforting, cheesy delight.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Gather all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and prevent last-minute scrambling.
• Moisture Magic: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for extra tenderness and deeper flavor complexity.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheese for superior melting and richer taste profile.
• Texture Tip: Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking to help ingredients settle and flavors intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg