Irresistible Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts baked with creamy cheese, sour cream, and flavorful rice makes for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Place them in a single layer in the baking dish.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the uncooked rice over the seasoned chicken.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken.
5. Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the dish is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
• Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter or dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a lactose-intolerant option.
• Use jasmine or basmati rice for a slightly different texture and aroma.
• Add vegetables like chopped bell peppers or peas on top before baking to increase nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the initial baking time by about 15-20 minutes and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil while baking?

Covering with foil traps steam that helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the chicken tender. Removing the foil at the end allows the cheese to brown and form a delicious crust.

Irresistible Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This irresistibly creamy and cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. Tender chicken breasts bake alongside fluffy long-grain rice in a savory blend of sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, and aromatic seasonings, creating a warm and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Salt (to taste)

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
4. Mix Sauce and Pour: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream, mixing until smooth and well incorporated. Pour this cheesy mixture evenly over the rice and chicken in the baking dish.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and the chicken to become tender.
6. Bake Uncovered: After the initial baking, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step helps create a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy topping.

Notes

• Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil during the initial baking to allow the rice to cook thoroughly in the steam.
• If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, feel free to increase the cheddar cheese by ¼ cup.
• For added texture and nutrition, you can add vegetables like peas or chopped broccoli before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated covered to retain moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy chicken and rice, chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, comfort food, one dish meal, easy dinner recipe