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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a smooth liquid base by whisking chicken broth, cream of celery soup, and melted butter in a spacious mixing bowl until completely integrated.
- Incorporate uncooked rice, cubed chicken, and seasonings into the liquid mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly throughout the blend.
- Carefully pour the entire chicken and rice combination into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking.
- Shield the dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal that will help steam and cook the ingredients perfectly.
- 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.
- Uncover the dish and generously sprinkle grated cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a rich and golden topping.
- 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.
- 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