The Creamiest Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a delightful cheesy chicken and rice dish brings comfort to any mealtime adventure.

Warmth radiates from this classic combination that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice grains, creating a symphony of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets each bite with creamy goodness that makes you smile.

Simple ingredients dance together in a harmonious culinary performance.

Weeknight dinners just got significantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You won’t be able to resist digging into this irresistible comfort meal.

Questions About Cheesy Chicken and Rice? Here’s the Scoop

• What ingredients add depth of flavor to this chicken and rice dish?

Bacon bits and seared chicken drippings create rich, smoky undertones that enhance the overall taste profile of the recipe.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best, but you can substitute with brown rice or a rice blend while maintaining similar cooking times and liquid ratios.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist during baking?

Searing the chicken first, covering the baking dish, and using chicken broth help lock in moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen stress and complexity.
• Pack Flavor Punch: Layered ingredients like bacon bits, multiple cheeses, and seasoned chicken create a rich, satisfying meal with depth and texture in every bite.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combining classic ingredients like rice, chicken, and cheese transforms this dish into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlined cooking process using a single skillet and baking dish means less cleanup and more enjoyment, ideal for busy weeknight meals or lazy weekend cooking.

What’s Inside This Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Classic

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for this hearty dish.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: Provide a satisfying base that absorbs the delicious flavors of the chicken and broth.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add a creamy, melty topping that brings rich flavor and texture to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth finish to the casserole.
• Butter: Adds extra richness and helps enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and create depth in the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and adds a savory foundation to the rice and chicken.
• Bacon Bits: Contribute a smoky and crispy element that elevates the overall taste.

• Green Onions, Fresh Parsley: Offer a fresh, bright finish that adds color and a light, crisp flavor to the completed dish.

One-Pot Wonder – Instructions for Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring every inch gets delicious seasoning.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a skillet to high temperature. Sear chicken breasts until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a large baking dish.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Rice Base

• White rice
• Brown rice
• Chicken broth

Stir the mixture to capture all the delicious browned bits from the chicken searing process.

Step 4: Layer Rice and Chicken

Pour the rice mixture over the chicken, making sure it covers the meat completely and distributes evenly.

Step 5: Add Smoky Bacon Dimension

Sprinkle bacon bits generously across the top of the rice and chicken, introducing a rich, smoky flavor profile.

Step 6: Initial Baking Process

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken cooks thoroughly.

Step 7: Cheese Melting Magic

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.

Step 8: Final Flavor Enhancement

Drizzle heavy cream across the surface and dot with butter to add luxurious richness.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Allow the dish to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, letting flavors blend and intensify.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the top. Serve piping hot and enjoy the incredible blend of flavors.

The Cheese Pull Secrets You’ll Want to Know

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Use a hot skillet and dry chicken surfaces to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Stir rice in the same skillet used for chicken to capture delicious browned bits and enhance overall taste.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Allow cheese to become slightly bubbly and golden for a crispy, flavorful topping that adds texture.
• Resting Time Magic: Let the dish sit for 5-7 minutes after baking to allow flavors to blend and juices to redistribute throughout the meal.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium alternative and reduce added salt for a heart-friendly version.

Tweak the Flavor – Chicken and Rice Combos to Try

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, keeping the cheese and bacon bits. Use lean turkey bacon for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bake: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, including broth and bacon bits. Replace traditional cheese with dairy-free alternatives for those with sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap garlic powder with dried oregano and thyme. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

What to Serve With This Cozy Dish

• Pair Savory Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied, lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy, cheesy chicken rice dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken, providing a refreshing contrast on the plate.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that enhances the main dish's smoky bacon notes.
• Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a smooth amber ale or light lager that can balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a subtle hoppy backdrop to the cheesy chicken and rice ensemble.

Keep It Creamy: Storage Tips for Next-Day Meals

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish whole or in individual portions. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole, blending creamy textures with savory chicken and melted cheese. Simple ingredients come together for a satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 cup brown rice

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Liquid:

• 2 cups chicken broth

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a large baking dish.
3. In the same skillet, combine white and brown rice with chicken broth, stirring to capture all the flavorful remnants from searing the chicken.
4. Pour the rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring even distribution and covering the chicken completely.
5. Sprinkle bacon bits generously across the top of the rice and chicken for added smoky flavor.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove foil and generously layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
8. Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
9. Drizzle heavy cream and dot with butter across the surface for extra richness.
10. Let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to meld.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender during baking.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time and add instant depth to the dish.
• For gluten-free option, confirm chicken broth is certified gluten-free and replace regular bacon with gluten-free bacon bits.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat cheese and replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg