Such goodness! We couldn't stop eating this one!.

 

Cheesy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Such Goodness, You Won’t Be Able to Stop Eating It

If you've ever taken one bite of something straight out of the oven and immediately thought, “Oh wow, this is going to be dangerous,” then you already understand the magic of a well-made cheesy baked chicken and rice casserole. This recipe isn’t just food—it’s comfort in a dish, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, savory baked chicken, and spoonfuls of perfectly cooked rice and veggies. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to vanish before your very eyes.

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, meal prep, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this casserole has been a beloved favorite in families for generations—and after you try it, you’ll understand why. Let’s dive into every step, flavor layer, and variation so you can make it your own and never stop eating this one either.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup (or homemade version—see below)

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• ½ cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack (for extra meltiness)

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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🧀 Optional Homemade Cream of Chicken Substitute

If you'd prefer to avoid canned soup, you can easily make a simple substitute:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup chicken broth

• ¼ cup milk

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Instructions:
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add chicken broth and milk. Stir constantly until thickened. Season and use in place of canned soup.

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👩‍🍳 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• 9x13 inch baking dish

• Medium mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Aluminum foil

• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

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⏱️ Prep & Cook Timeline

Task	Time Estimate
Prep Ingredients	10–15 minutes
Cook Chicken & Aromatics	10 minutes
Mix & Assemble Casserole	10 minutes
Bake Covered	35 minutes
Bake Uncovered w/ Cheese	10–15 minutes
Rest Before Serving	5–10 minutes
Total Time	~80–85 minutes

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into small bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch). Pat dry with a paper towel for better searing. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on the outside, about 5–7 minutes (it does not need to be fully cooked through—it will finish in the oven).

Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.

This step infuses deep flavor into the casserole base. You can skip it, but it’s worth the extra few minutes!

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Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Uncooked rice

• Chicken broth

• Milk

• Can of soup (or homemade substitute)

• 1 cup of the cheddar cheese

• Sautéed onion and garlic

• Frozen veggies

• Seared chicken cubes

Stir everything together thoroughly. Taste the mixture and adjust salt/pepper if needed.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease your 9x13 baking dish. Pour the entire mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

Cover tightly with foil (to trap steam and cook the rice properly).

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Step 5: Bake Covered

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes, covered.

At this stage, the rice should begin to absorb the liquid and cook through while the flavors meld. Don’t skip the foil—this is what makes the rice fluffy and tender instead of dry or crunchy.

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Step 6: Uncover, Add Cheese, and Finish Baking

Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella on top.

Return to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

For a beautiful browned top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end—just watch carefully!

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Step 7: Let Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing the liquid and keeps the texture creamy.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot.

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🧄 Why This Dish Works So Well

• Layered flavor: From seared chicken to garlic and paprika, every bite is seasoned.

• Perfect texture: Baking the rice uncooked in liquid results in a creamy, risotto-like texture.

• Cheesy richness: Cheddar and mozzarella create a gooey, golden crown of indulgence.

• Efficient and practical: Everything goes into one dish—less mess, more joy.

• Flexible: Add-ins and substitutions are easy to personalize.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and filling on its own, but pairs beautifully with:

• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Dinner rolls or crusty bread

• Pickled onions or slaw for contrast

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🔁 Recipe Variations

1. Mexican-Inspired Chicken Bake

• Add 1 tsp cumin + ½ tsp chili powder

• Replace frozen veggies with corn and black beans

• Top with crushed tortilla chips and salsa before serving

2. Broccoli Cheddar Version

• Swap mixed veggies for chopped steamed broccoli

• Use all cheddar cheese

• Add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to base for sharpness

3. Low-Carb/Keto Version

• Replace rice with cauliflower rice

• Use heavy cream instead of milk

• Double the cheese and reduce broth

4. Vegetarian Twist

• Omit chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas

• Use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup

• Add spinach or kale for greens

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat individual portions in microwave (2–3 minutes) or oven (covered at 350°F for 10–15 minutes).

To Freeze:

• Let cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.

• Freeze up to 3 months.

• Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover, and refrigerate overnight.

• Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to come to room temp.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Success

• Use long-grain rice for best texture (jasmine or basmati also work well). Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice—it may become mushy.

• Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook uniformly.

• Cover tightly with foil to ensure rice cooks evenly.

• Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

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💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie or shredded chicken works great. Skip the searing step and add directly to the mix.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Use two 9x13 pans or a large roasting pan. You may need to increase baking time slightly.

Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it takes longer to cook. Pre-cook the brown rice halfway or increase liquid and baking time.

Q: Is this good for kids?
Absolutely—mild, cheesy, and packed with hidden veggies. It’s a kid-friendly winner.

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❤️ Why You’ll Make This Over and Over Again

This casserole ticks every box:

• ✅ Comforting

• ✅ Affordable

• ✅ Simple to prepare

• ✅ Crowd-pleasing

• ✅ Freezer-friendly

• ✅ Customizable

Once you taste that bubbling top layer of cheese over a creamy, perfectly seasoned bed of chicken and rice, you’ll understand why so many people say, “We couldn’t stop eating this one.”

It’s the kind of dish that disappears faster than you can plate it, and guests will always ask for seconds—and the recipe.

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📌 Final Thoughts

The next time you’re craving the ultimate in home-cooked comfort, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and warmth in every bite—a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.

So grab a casserole dish, some cheese, and a little time, and treat yourself (and everyone else) to a dish they’ll rave about for days. Chances are, they won’t be able to stop eating it either.