When you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together in one pan, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables are nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole has everything you need for a well-rounded meal – protein, carbs, veggies, and plenty of flavor. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

• Juicy chicken and hearty rice provide a filling base for the casserole
• A mix of vegetables adds color, texture, and nutrients
• The creamy, cheesy sauce ties everything together with rich, savory flavor
• It’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your dinner

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the frozen vegetables, heavy cream, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Add the browned chicken and mix well.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender. Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Casserole Perfection

• Brown the chicken well for added flavor and texture. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through – it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Use a long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for the best texture. Short-grain rice may become too sticky.
• Feel free to use any mix of frozen vegetables you like. A bag of frozen mixed veggies works great, or you can combine your favorites.
• For a creamier casserole, add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream or swap the cheddar for a creamier cheese like Monterey Jack.

Variations to Explore

• Tex-Mex: Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the rice mixture and swap the cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend. Top with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
• Broccoli Cheddar: Substitute 2 cups of frozen broccoli florets for the mixed vegetables and double the cheddar cheese.
• Greek-Inspired: Stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Top with a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to bulk it up.

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice, and it’s endlessly customizable based on your family’s tastes. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day.

So next time you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite, give this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake a try. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s packed with flavor and sure to leave everyone feeling full and happy.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy top, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and remove when the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Yum!