🥘 Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake – Comfort Food at Its Best!
If you’re looking for a soul-warming, family-friendly dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory spices, and gooey melted cheese combine to make the ultimate comfort meal—all in one baking dish. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners.
📝 Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or long grain works great)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is perfect!)
– 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
– Optional topping: crushed buttery crackers or French-fried onions
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. 🟠 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
2. 🍚 In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
3. 🥕 Fold in the frozen peas and carrots for a pop of color and freshness.
4. 🔄 Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
5. 🧀 Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using a crunchy topping like crushed buttery crackers or fried onions, sprinkle that on now too.
6. 🔥 Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. The cheese should be melted and golden on top.
7. 🌿 Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions for an extra touch.
🍴 Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. This Chicken Rice Bake also works great as leftovers—just reheat and enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips:
– Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
– You can swap out the protein for leftover turkey or even ground beef for a fun twist.
– Make it ahead and store in the fridge—bake it fresh before serving!
This Chicken Rice Bake is a meal that’ll bring everyone back to the dinner table for seconds. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—a warm hug in every bite! 🧡🍗🍚
