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Creamy Cheesy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

creamy cheesy baked chicken and rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked chicken and rice casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. This dish features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or chopped broccoli

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 1 pound diced boneless skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is just opaque, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Add 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and stir to distribute the rice evenly.
  6. Spoon the sautéed chicken, onion, and garlic mixture over the rice in the casserole dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly on top. Gently mix everything so the chicken and sauce are distributed but the rice remains mostly on the bottom layer.
  7. If using, fold in 1 cup frozen peas or chopped broccoli.
  8. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden and the rice is tender. Optionally, sprinkle a little more cheddar on top before the last bake for extra cheesy browning.
  10. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

If casserole looks dry halfway through baking, add a splash of chicken broth and re-cover. Use room temperature dairy ingredients for smoother sauce. Brown rice can be substituted but requires more broth and longer baking time (60-70 minutes). Let casserole rest before serving for easier portioning. For dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese, cheese alternatives, and coconut or almond milk instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken casserole, cheesy chicken and rice, creamy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, one dish meal

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-cheesy-baked-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/