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Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake: 5-Ingredient Family Dinner

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A comforting, creamy, and hearty casserole made with simple pantry staples. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a golden cheesy crust, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse and pat dry chicken breasts, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat.
  4. Add uncooked rice to the bowl with the chicken and stir gently.
  5. Whisk together chicken broth and heavy cream in a separate cup.
  6. Pour the broth and cream mixture over the chicken and rice. Add dried parsley and mix until rice is evenly coated.
  7. Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
  8. Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly. Ensure liquid covers the rice.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  10. Bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  12. Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  13. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid instant or brown rice. Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with chicken broth and cornstarch. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken rice bake, cheesy casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food, weeknight meals, one pot meal, gluten-free dinner

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/cheesy-chicken-rice-bake-5-ingredient-family-dinner/