Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and gooey cheese all mingling together in a creamy, dreamy delight. rich and creamy butter chicken The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone racing to the dinner table, forks at the ready, anticipation crackling in the air like a well-placed joke. For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic chicken recipe.

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Let me tell you, this dish has been my go-to for family gatherings. Picture this: my cousin’s kids bouncing around, their eyes wide with excitement when they see this bubbling beauty emerge from the oven. It’s not just food; it’s memories in the making, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing surprise guests. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance!

My cousin once declared this casserole as “life-changing” during our Sunday family potluck, which made me both proud and slightly embarrassed.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
• Long Grain Rice: Opt for long grain rice for fluffy texture; avoid instant varieties that might turn mushy.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully and creates that gooey goodness we crave.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess without needing extra steps; go for low-sodium if watching salt.
• Onion and Garlic: Fresh diced onion and minced garlic elevate flavors significantly; sauté them until fragrant for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while adding depth to your dish.
• Vegetables (Optional): Feel free to add frozen peas or broccoli for color and nutrition; they blend right in seamlessly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare everything else.

Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onion with minced garlic until translucent and aromatic. Toss in diced chicken breasts until they turn white.

Add Rice & Broth: Stir in long grain rice with the sautéed mixture. Pour chicken broth over everything and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook until most of the liquid evaporates.

Mingle with Creamy Goodness: Now mix in cream of chicken soup along with half of your cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined.

Transfer & Top It Off: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese generously on top before popping it into the oven.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The cheese should be melty perfection!

Now that you’ve conquered this cheesy creation, let it cool slightly before serving. You’ll want to savor every bite!

Enjoying this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole brings warmth and joy to any meal occasion—be it a casual family dinner or an elegant get-together with friends! crispy popcorn chicken. ultimate chicken parmesan.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the chicken in a skillet, then cook the rice separately while preparing the creamy sauce to ensure everything melds together perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like broccoli or peas to customize this dish to your liking.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.

Cooking this dish always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter echoed as we devoured every cheesy bite.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

How long does Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole last in the fridge?

quick teriyaki chicken rice bowl.

This casserole stays fresh for up to four days when stored properly.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

For more inspiration, check out this tater tot casserole recipe.

Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for easy reheating whenever you crave comfort food.

Print

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese into one creamy dish. This casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. With easy preparation and a rich flavor profile, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent.
3. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until they turn white.
4. Stir in the rice and pour in the chicken broth; bring to a simmer until most liquid evaporates.
5. Mix in cream of chicken soup and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Customize by substituting chicken with turkey or adding more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. For a healthier option, use brown rice but adjust cooking times as it takes longer.