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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake for Cozy Dinners

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice for a comforting meal that pleases all palates.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Rice Base
  • 2 pounds Boneless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs for juicier meat.
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice Fluffy texture.
  • 4 cups Chicken broth Use low-sodium.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
For the Cheesy Sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Sharp or mild.
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Adds creaminess.
  • 1 cup Milk or cream Creates a silky sauce.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For topping.
For Seasoning and Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dried herbs (thyme, oregano, or parsley)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley or chives Chopped for garnish.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Cook diced onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Add to skillet and brown on each side for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Transfer chicken to the baking dish. Stir in long-grain rice and chicken broth.
Assembly
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
  2. Pour the cheesy sauce over the rice and chicken, spreading evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  3. Loosely cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese bubbles.
  5. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for smoky warmth. Rinse rice before cooking to avoid gummy texture.

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