Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Homestyle Favorites

I absolutely love making this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake! It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul, and the combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice never fails to impress. Every time I whip this up, the delightful aroma fills my kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it's even out of the oven. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, and my family always devours it in no time, which makes it a go-to weeknight meal.

Created by

Quinn Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:49:37.013Z

When I first came across this recipe, I was a little skeptical about how well all the ingredients would come together. However, after preparing it for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised at how rich and satisfying the flavors were. The combination of creamy cheeses melded beautifully with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. I learned that using a mixture of different cheeses can really enhance the dish's flavor profile!

One tip I swear by is to cover the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time to ensure the chicken stays juicy while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without browning too soon. The result is a deliciously cheesy, hearty meal that quickly became a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich cheesy flavor that everyone will enjoy
Comforting and filling, perfect for family dinners
Easy to prepare and bake, making weeknight meals a breeze

Perfecting Your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

To achieve the perfect texture in your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, ensure that your rice is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients. Undercooked rice can absorb too much moisture during baking, resulting in a chewy texture. If you're using leftover rice, it’s ideal—just make sure it’s cooled properly before adding it to maintain the balance of flavors.

The cheeses in this dish not only provide a delightful creaminess but also create a beautiful golden crust on top when baked. I recommend using a combination of mild cheddar and mozzarella for the best results, as they melt well and add depth to the overall flavor. If you want a bit of tang, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking to enhance the cheesy goodness!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

After enjoying your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake, you might find yourself with leftovers. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before sealing. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but the oven will help retain that glorious cheesy crust that makes this dish so satisfying.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, both cheeses, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and mixed vegetables. Stir until everything is well mixed. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious cheesy chicken and rice bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding cooked bacon or fresh herbs like parsley or chives before baking. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or keep it vegetarian by using vegetables only.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake by incorporating different vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or corn work wonderfully. For an added kick, you might toss in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy twist that balances the richness of the cheese.

If you want to switch things up even further, try using a different type of protein. Shredded turkey or cooked sausage can be substituted in place of chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using a hearty plant-based protein such as lentils or chickpeas, along with extra vegetables, to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bake turns out too dry, it could be due to overbaking or not enough liquid. Make sure to measure your chicken broth accurately, and if you notice it drying out, add a splash more broth during the last 10 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it while it’s in the oven; all ovens vary in temperature, and you might need to adjust the timing accordingly.

Alternatively, if you find it too moist and mushy, it’s likely that the ratio of liquid to solid ingredients was off. In the future, consider using slightly less broth, or increase the ratio of chicken and rice to balance out any excess moisture. The final product should be creamy but firm enough to hold its shape when plated.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the rice package instructions.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven until hot throughout.