The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe for Family Love

Cheesy chicken and rice bake offers a comforting culinary adventure that promises pure satisfaction.

Warm, hearty meals like this create instant connections around the dinner table.

Home cooks adore dishes that seamlessly blend protein, grains, and melted cheese into one delightful experience.

The magic happens when simple ingredients merge through careful preparation and thoughtful seasoning.

Creamy textures and rich flavors emerge from carefully layered components that promise maximum enjoyment.

Weeknight dinners need reliable recipes that deliver both nutrition and incredible taste.

This straightforward creation will quickly become a go-to meal you cannot wait to share with loved ones.

How to Put Together Chicken and Rice Bake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Cream of celery soup
• Melted butter

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients

• Uncooked rice
• Cubed chicken pieces
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme

Mix everything thoroughly so each bite will have amazing flavor.

Step 4: Set Up for Baking

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to lock in moisture.

Step 5: Initial Baking Session

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 75 minutes. The goal is tender rice and fully cooked chicken.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove the foil and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Let It Rest

After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Top Tips for Cheesy and Creamy Bakes

• Prevent Rice Clumping: Stir the rice thoroughly during mixing to ensure each grain gets coated with broth and seasonings for even cooking and perfect texture.
• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for deeper, richer taste and more moisture in the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese directly from a cold block for more even melting and better coverage across the entire dish.
• Moisture Control: Cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps the rice cook perfectly without drying out the chicken.
• Seasoning Enhancement: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions sprinkled on top after baking to add brightness and fresh flavor notes.

How to Keep Chicken and Rice Bake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Microwave Reheat: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Oven Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese becomes bubbly again.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Pair with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp, light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken and rice bake.
• Complement with Chardonnay: Choose a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay that echoes the dish's creamy texture and cuts through the cheesy richness.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Broccoli: Add a vibrant green vegetable side with roasted broccoli florets seasoned with garlic and olive oil to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill and a light sour cream dressing to add a cool contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.

Ways to Change Up Chicken and Rice Bake

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace thyme with cumin and chili powder, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rice: Swap cream of celery soup with Greek yogurt, incorporate dried oregano and basil, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, and use feta cheese instead of cheddar.
• Mushroom Chicken Wild Rice Blend: Use a combination of white and wild rice, add sautéed mushrooms, include a splash of white wine, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
• Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake: Mix in chopped broccoli florets during preparation, use cream of broccoli soup, and garnish with sharp cheddar and crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.

FAQs on Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer baking time, so increase the broth by about 1/4 cup and extend the covered baking time by 15-20 minutes.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of celery soup and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Replace regular flour with a gluten-free alternative if needed.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

• What are good side dishes to serve with this casserole?

Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans work great. A simple mixed salad or roasted vegetables also complement this cheesy chicken and rice bake perfectly.

Why Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Never Disappoints

• Combine all ingredients in a single baking dish, eliminating multiple cooking steps and minimizing kitchen cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
• The melted cheddar creates a golden, gooey top layer that perfectly complements the tender chicken and soft rice, providing a rich and satisfying mouthfeel.
• This simple casserole requires minimal prep time, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers a hearty meal that both kids and adults will love, making dinner stress-free and delicious.
• With a straightforward baking method that needs minimal attention, this recipe allows home cooks to prepare other tasks while the oven does the work, resulting in a complete meal with little active cooking time.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the main substance of the casserole, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• White Rice: Soft and fluffy base that absorbs flavors well, long-grain rice works best for even cooking.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and rich flavor foundation for the casserole.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Adds creamy texture and subtle vegetable undertones, helps bind ingredients together.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a smooth, velvety consistency.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balanced and enhanced overall taste.
• Garlic Powder, Thyme: Adds depth and aromatic herbal notes to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, gooey topping with sharp, tangy flavor.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensure even cooking during initial baking stage.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy chicken and rice bake” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken with creamy cheese and perfectly seasoned rice. Warm, satisfying flavors invite you to savor each comforting bite of this classic one-pan meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken fillets, cubed

Grains:

• 2 cups white rice, uncooked

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cans cream of celery soup
• ¼ cup (½ stick / 56 grams) butter, melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a smooth liquid base by whisking chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl until completely integrated.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, cubed chicken, and seasonings into the liquid mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the blend.
4. Carefully pour the entire chicken and rice combination into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking.
5. Shield the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal that will help steam and cook the ingredients perfectly.
6. Position the covered casserole in the preheated oven and allow it to bake for approximately 65-75 minutes, monitoring until the rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Uncover the dish and generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich and golden topping.
8. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes, watching the cheese melt and develop a deliciously bubbly, slightly crisp texture.
9. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to slightly firm up before serving.

Notes

• Elevate this comforting one-dish meal by using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation.
• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture and optimal absorption of savory broth and soup.
• Customize the flavor profile by experimenting with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature at 165°F to ensure safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Seal the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and prevent rice from drying out during cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg