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–+ servings
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

The Best Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake for Comfort Food Bliss

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting dish with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Rice Base
  • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs Choose boneless for easy shredding
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice Stays fluffy and absorbs flavors
  • 2 cups chicken broth Adds savory depth
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Melts beautifully
  • 8 oz cream cheese Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half Whole milk works best
For Flavor and Finish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the savory notes
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds gentle sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Mild smoky hint and color
  • 1 teaspoon salt Season to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Season to taste
  • parsley or chives (optional) For garnish

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish.
  2. In a medium saucepan, simmer long-grain white rice with chicken broth for about 15 minutes until grains are tender.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry, coat with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Shred or dice the chicken and fold into the cooked rice in the baking dish.
  5. In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with milk over medium heat, whisk in cheddar until smooth.
  6. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken-rice mixture and spread evenly.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbles appear.
  8. Sprinkle with parsley or chives, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Serve with a fresh green salad for a bright contrast.

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