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Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake
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Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake is a warm, creamy, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, long-grain rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this one-pan recipe offers hearty flavors, a cheesy comfort texture, and easy preparation, making it an ideal meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Rice and Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked

Dairy

  • 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (for sautéing)

Liquids

  • 2.5 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Heat butter or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, scraping up browned bits from the chicken to enhance flavor.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in uncooked long-grain rice, chicken broth, sour cream or cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well so the rice is coated in the creamy mixture.
  4. Layer Everything: Transfer the rice mixture into a greased baking dish. Nestle the seared chicken pieces evenly on top, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and become bubbly.

Notes

  • Use medium heat when searing chicken to lock in juices without burning.
  • Don’t skip the chicken broth as it keeps rice moist and flavorful.
  • Cover the bake while cooking to trap steam and cook the rice fully.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking for flavors to meld and set.
  • Long-grain rice is preferred to prevent mushiness and maintain fluffy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken, chicken rice bake, comfort food, baked chicken and rice, creamy chicken casserole

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/cheesy-chicken-rice-bake/