Description
This easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake recipe made without canned soup is perfect for busy weeknight dinners to serve on the table in 35 minutes. The combination of tender chicken with creamy melted cheddar cheese and a rice base to soak up all the delicious flavors makes a comforting and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken pieces with half of the seasoning mix. Reserve the remaining half for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook unIl the vegetables are just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an addiIonal minute unIl the garlic is fragrant.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. SIr in the remaining half of the seasoning blend. Bring to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked rice and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. SIr to combine well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the rice and chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or unIl the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
Storage and reheating instructions:
Store any leftover casserole using an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through. Reheat using a microwave-safe dish with 30 second intervals in the microwave until heated through.
You can freeze the dish once it is cooled completely by covering tightly with multiple layers of foil for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 375°F covered with foil until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
