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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, combine white and brown rice with chicken broth, stirring to capture all the flavorful remnants from searing the chicken.
- Pour the rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring even distribution and covering the chicken completely.
- Sprinkle bacon bits generously across the top of the rice and chicken for added smoky flavor.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove foil and generously layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Drizzle heavy cream and dot with butter across the surface for extra richness.
- Let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven to allow flavors to meld.
- 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