Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup cream of mushroom soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake for my family. It's such a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and lots of melty cheese. Every bite is an explosion of flavors that bring everyone to the dinner table. Not only is it delicious, but it's also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create a hearty meal that satisfies all our cravings. This dish has become a staple in our household, especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick and cozy.

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:49:35.666Z

When I first tried making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake, I was simply looking for a quick way to feed my family. I didn’t expect it to become such a beloved meal! The blend of chicken, rice, and cheese creates a lovely harmony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. I remember bustling around the kitchen, throwing everything together, and trying not to eat the cheesy topping before it was ready!

One of my favorite tips is to let the dish rest for about five minutes after baking. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, and you avoid the rush of hot cheesy goodness that can be hard to scoop! I often add extra veggies for even more taste and nutrition, making this dish both delightful and wholesome.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy cheese that pulls delightfully with each scoop
Juicy chicken baked to perfection with flavorful rice
Makes for fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day

The Role of Cheese in This Dish

The cheesy component of this bake is what elevates it from a simple chicken and rice meal to a creamy, indulgent experience. Using a good quality shredded cheddar cheese not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that it melts beautifully, creating that irresistible pull with each scoop. I recommend looking for a sharp cheddar for additional depth, but you can also mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for extra stretchiness or even a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.

If you're looking to make this dish lighter, consider using a reduced-fat cheese. While you may lose some of the creamy texture, it can still provide that cheesy flavor profile. Just be sure to check that the cheese is labeled for melting, as some lower-fat options do not perform as well in the oven.

Perfecting the Rice Texture

The rice you use in this recipe plays a crucial role in the texture of the final bake. Using leftover cooked rice is ideal, as it tends to be drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice. This helps prevent the bake from becoming overly mushy. If you're starting from scratch, I suggest cooking the rice just under al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the cheese and chicken without compromising its structure.

For an added flavor boost, consider cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water. This simple swap infuses the rice with a savory base that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it may require a longer cooking time, both on the stovetop and in the oven.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, store any remaining bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning while it heats through.

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it a day in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just be aware that you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to prepare it.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you begin:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

That's all you need to create this delicious bake!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delightful meal:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix All Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using, stir in frozen mixed vegetables.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken and rice bake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of paprika or some hot sauce into the mix before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, allowing for several substitutions based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For a lighter option, you can replace the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade cream sauce or a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or vegetable broth, combined with cornstarch for thickening. This keeps the dish creamy without the heavy calories.

If you want to sneak in some extra nutrients, consider adding different fresh or frozen vegetables in addition to or instead of the mixed vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach would all work beautifully and add flavor and texture. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

One common problem when making casseroles is having a dry texture. To avoid this with your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, ensure that your cooked chicken is moist. If you’re using leftover chicken, consider adding a little more milk or cream to the mixture to keep it creamy. Additionally, watch the baking time closely—removing it from the oven too early can lead to a dry result, whereas cooking too long may create a tough top layer.

Another issue could be uneven cooking. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish; if it’s too thick in some areas, it will cook unevenly. It’s also a good idea to give it a stir halfway through the cooking time to redistribute the heat and ensure even melting of the cheese and heating of all ingredients.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just make sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or make your own using a roux and broth.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it the day before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add broccoli, peas, or even bell peppers for added nutrition and color.