Get ready to fall in love with Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake—a family favorite that marries tender chicken, velvety rice, and a blanket of bubbly cheese, all in a single pan for the ultimate comfort food experience. This dish is pure weeknight magic, perfect for those hectic evenings when you want something hearty, wholesome, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table with smiles. If you crave coziness, flavor, and minimal cleanup, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the charm of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake lies in its honest, comforting ingredients. These simple pantry staples work together to create a dish that’s creamy, rich, and satisfying, with pops of color and plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Cooked chicken (2 cups): The heart of the bake; rotisserie, roasted, or even leftover grilled chicken all work beautifully for convenience and flavor.
Uncooked long grain white rice (1 cup): This soaks up all the luscious liquids and bakes up tender and fluffy, providing the perfect base.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 1/2 cups): Brings savory depth and infuses every grain of rice with pure comfort.
Milk (1 cup): Adds a touch of creaminess and helps meld everything together.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret ingredient for creamy, dreamy texture and a mild earthy undertone!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The ultimate gooey topper and what makes this bake so irresistible—use extra sharp for even more flavor.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): An easy way to bring out warmth and complexity in the flavor profile.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the savory notes without the fuss of chopping onions.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; taste the mixture before baking to get it just right.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty layer to balance all that cheddar.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A touch of fresh green always makes the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake pop for presentation and flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to ensure that glorious cheesy crust lifts out easily when serving. Setting up your workspace now makes assembly a breeze later on.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to fully dissolve the soup and evenly distribute those delicious seasonings. This creamy foundation is what turns the simple rice into a spoonful of comfort heaven!

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Giving everything a thorough stir ensures that every scoop of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake comes packed with tender bites of chicken and oozing pockets of melty cheese. This is where the magic really starts coming together.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Pour your well-mixed concoction into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Be sure to nudge the mixture into the corners so every serving features equal amounts of creamy rice and chicken.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil—this step traps the steam, ensuring the rice cooks up perfectly tender. Slide the pan onto the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will fill with the most tantalizing aroma as the flavors meld together!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Cheesy Layer

After 45 minutes, carefully peel off the foil (watch out for steam!). Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Then bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and gloriously bubbly. The top should be kissed with golden edges and rich, cheesy pockets.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the cheesy top has browned up to your liking, remove the dish from the oven. Let the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake stand for at least 5 minutes—this helps everything firm up a bit, making serving a snap. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley if desired, and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up this hearty casserole like a scattering of fresh parsley. If you want to go the extra mile, try a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper or a few thinly sliced green onions on top. The herbs add a lovely pop of color, while the pepper and onions bring a gentle zing that balances the creamy, cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is its versatility—it’s nearly a meal all by itself. For a balanced plate, pair it with crisp roasted green beans, a simple garden salad, or steamed broccoli. The fresh, bright sides counterpoint the creamy bake while providing a splash of color and extra nourishment. Warm dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread on the side are never a bad idea either!

Creative Ways to Present

This bake is homey by nature, but you can dress it up for special occasions! Serve individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or scoop generous servings into bowls atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula. For a crowd, let guests help themselves buffet-style and offer a DIY topping bar with extra shredded cheese, hot sauce, and fresh herbs—making your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake the star of your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is how well it keeps. Once cooled, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only deepen over time, making leftovers arguably even better the next day!

Freezing

To make meal planning stress-free, this casserole freezes beautifully. Let the bake cool completely, then wrap the pan tightly in several layers of foil, or portion servings into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake in the oven, covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). For quick lunches, individual portions can be microwaved in 60-second bursts, stirring in between for even heating. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen things up if the bake has thickened in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need more liquid. If substituting, increase the broth by 1/2 cup and extend the baking time by 15-20 minutes, checking for tenderness as you go.

Is it possible to make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake gluten-free?

Yes, with one simple swap: use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken) in place of the standard canned version. Double check your broth and other ingredients, and you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free dinner!

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble the dish through Step 4, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing in the oven, and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you want to shake things up, turkey is a great substitute—especially perfect for holiday leftovers. For a vegetarian option, use canned chickpeas and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake formula is forgiving, so play around with your favorite proteins!

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Frozen peas, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers blend right in and boost the nutrition. Just stir them into the mixture with the chicken and cheese for an even heartier Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for big comfort with almost no fuss, Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake has your back every time. You’ll love the ease, you’ll adore the flavor, and chances are, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again. Go ahead—give it a try, gather your family, and enjoy a dish that tastes like home in every bite!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe