Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
A delightful and comforting dish combining creamy flavors and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use leftover rotisserie chicken or boiled chicken breast.
Starch/Pasta
- 2 cups cooked rice White, brown rice, or cauliflower rice can be used.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Can use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Can use fresh onion sautéed for better flavor.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Can substitute with cream of mushroom soup.
- 1 cup milk Low-fat options can be used.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets Optional; can substitute with other veggies like carrots or peas.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs For topping; can substitute with crushed crackers.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese.
Baking
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For serving, pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. Optionally, top with fresh herbs before serving.