Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-pan dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, hidden veggies, and a golden cheesy topping, it’s everything you want in a warm and satisfying family meal. The best part? It all comes together with just 10 minutes of prep time and finishes off beautifully in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just 10 minutes of hands-on prep, then let the oven do the work.
• Family-Friendly: Hidden veggies, creamy sauce, and cheese mean even picky eaters will dig in.
• Budget-Conscious: Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have at home.
• One Dish Wonder: All your protein, carbs, and veggies in one comforting casserole.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2), cut in ½-¾" cubes
• 2 cups frozen vegetables (whichever you prefer!)
• 1½ cups long grain white rice (rinsed well)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt*
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil.
2. Rinse the Rice:
   Rinse the white rice thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer under cold running water. This helps remove excess starch and prevents a gummy texture.
3. Combine Ingredients:
   In the prepared baking dish, add the following:
   • Rinsed rice
   • Chicken cubes (uncooked)
   • Frozen vegetables
   • Chicken broth
   • Heavy cream
   • Seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper
     Mix everything together well.
4. Add Butter:
   Dot the top of the casserole mixture with the small butter pieces. This adds richness and helps with even baking.
5. Cover and Bake:
   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
   Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the Protein: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even leftover shredded chicken work well here.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream with additional broth and skip the cheese for a lighter version.
• Try Other Veggies: Use whatever frozen veggies you have on hand—peas, corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables all work.
• Customize Seasoning: Lawry’s is great, but feel free to use your favorite blend or regular salt with extra spices.

Serving Suggestions

Although it’s a full meal on its own, you can serve this casserole with:

• Freshly baked dinner rolls
• Roasted green beans or broccoli
• A crisp green salad

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze completely cooled casserole in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the texture saucy. You can also reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?
A: This recipe hasn’t been tested with brown rice. It may require longer cooking time and more liquid.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can mix all ingredients (except cheese), cover, and refrigerate a few hours ahead. Add a few extra minutes to bake time if starting cold.

My casserole is too soupy. What went wrong?
A: Oven temps can vary. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed, and bake until the rice is fully cooked. You can remove foil and continue baking to reduce excess liquid if needed.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is your new go-to for weeknight dinners. Quick to prep, satisfying to eat, and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect comfort food with zero fuss. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or cleaning out the freezer, this dish delivers every time.

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