Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food Traditions

I absolutely love making this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake for family dinners! It combines tender chicken and fluffy rice with an irresistible cheesy sauce. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part is how easy it is to prepare. In just a short time, I can bring a comforting meal to the table that everyone enjoys. This recipe quickly became a staple in my household—it’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-02-01T15:41:36.386Z

Cooking this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake the first time was a delightful adventure. I remember seasoning the chicken just right and combining it with the creamy sauce, and the aroma that filled my kitchen was simply irresistible. It’s a flavor-packed dish that is surprisingly simple, yet it looks and tastes like a gourmet meal straight from a restaurant!

What really makes this recipe shine is the layering technique I discovered. By starting with a base of rice and then adding the chicken and sauce, the flavors meld beautifully during baking. I also sprinkle some additional cheese on top right before serving for that extra melty goodness—trust me, it makes a world of difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and creamy flavor in every bite
Melty cheese binds everything together perfectly
Comfort food that pleases the whole family

      

Making the Cheese Sauce

The cheesy sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible. The combination of cream of chicken soup and shredded cheddar cheese creates a luscious coating that envelops the chicken and rice. Make sure to use a good quality cheddar for the best melting properties. If you prefer a sharper taste, you can opt for an aged cheddar instead, which adds depth without overwhelming the dish.

To achieve a creamy texture, be careful when adding the milk. Start with half a cup, and mix well before adding more if necessary. The goal is a thick but pourable consistency. If your mixture seems too thick, a splash more of milk can help. Just remember, the consistency will thicken further when baked, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly too runny before it hits the oven.

Variations and Add-Ins

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding cooked vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a nutritional boost. If you want to add more protein, roasted turkey or even cooked sausage can work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re using pre-cooked meats to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.

For a touch of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes before baking. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider substituting the cream of chicken soup with a low-fat alternative or using a homemade cream sauce. These swaps maintain creaminess without the extra calories, making it a comforting yet guilt-free option.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make this delicious dish:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

Add Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and add paprika if desired for color.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake!

This dish is even better as leftovers, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a depth of flavor to the bake.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the flavors continue to meld, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it to avoid excess moisture buildup.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning and heat for about 20-25 minutes. If microwaving, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Just don't forget that the creamy texture might not be as perfect as when it's freshly baked!

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake comes out too dry, it may be that the rice used absorbed too much liquid during cooking. To counteract this, you can add a bit more milk or broth next time. Also, ensure the rice is cooked just until tender before mixing into the dish; overcooking can lead to a drier finished product after baking.

On the flip side, if your bake is too watery, you likely added too much milk or didn't let the mixture thicken sufficiently before baking. Adding a small amount of cornstarch to the cream of chicken soup can help combat excess moisture next time. It’s a subtle ingredient adjustment that can significantly improve the overall dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can replace it with homemade cream sauce or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using low-fat cheese, adding more vegetables, or substituting brown rice for white rice.