Description
A creamy, hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and a golden, bubbly cheddar cheese crust. Perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, warm
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss diced chicken in the seasoning mix.
- Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth.
- Stir uncooked rice into the soup mixture, ensuring rice is submerged.
- Pour rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked chicken on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, lift foil, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (and optional breadcrumb topping) evenly over the top.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use uncooked long-grain white rice; avoid instant rice as it will turn to mush. Ensure the chicken is browned for better flavor. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: chicken rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, meal prep, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, one pot meal