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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
Layer Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
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.
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.
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