If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that soaks every bite with incredible flavor. This dish is not only comforting and filling but also effortlessly easy to pull together, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple ingredients that bring a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures to this dish is the secret to its success. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juiciness of the chicken to the creamy melt of sharp cheddar cheese, everything combines perfectly.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose tender, evenly sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking throughout.
Long-grain white rice: Provides the perfect fluffy base that absorbs all those delightful cheesy juices.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a rich, tangy creaminess that transforms the dish into a cheesy dream.
Sour cream: Incorporates a subtle tang and velvety texture to keep the rice moist and flavorful.
Garlic powder: A whisper of savory garlic that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Onion powder: Infuses gentle sweetness and warmth without requiring fresh onions.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to balance the creamy elements.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which sets the perfect temperature for cooking the chicken and rice evenly. Give your baking dish a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. These simple spices elevate the chicken’s flavor without taking away from the dish’s overall comfort factor. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your prepared baking dish so that each piece cooks thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Rice

Next, sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the chicken. The rice will soak up all the savory juices and cheese sauce as it cooks, creating a heavenly texture that’s both fluffy and flavorful.

Step 4: Mix and Pour the Cheesy Sauce

In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream until smooth and well blended. Pour this rich mixture evenly over the rice and chicken, ensuring every grain and piece of chicken is covered in that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil to seal in the steam and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. This gentle cooking process allows the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid and the chicken to remain juicy. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, letting the top become bubbly and turn a gorgeous golden brown.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. If you love a little extra zing, a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can also give it a fun twist.

Side Dishes

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables brings a refreshing crunch and nutrient boost. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber and tomato salad work beautifully alongside this cheesy favorite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Cheesy Chicken and Rice in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a delightful crispy crust. Or spoon it into warm tortilla wraps with fresh salsa for an inventive, flavorful lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, be sure to cool any leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Cheesy Chicken and Rice will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, too! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the microwave with a small splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, warm it up in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid to achieve the perfect tenderness.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor and smooth melting quality, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a unique twist on the classic Cheesy Chicken and Rice.

Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made dairy-free?

This version relies on cheese and sour cream for its creamy richness, but you can substitute with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt to maintain that luscious texture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Layer the seasoned chicken and rice in the slow cooker, pour the broth mixture on top, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Just keep an eye on liquid levels to prevent drying out.

How do I know when the chicken and rice are fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice will be tender with all liquid absorbed. The golden bubbly topping is a great visual cue that your Cheesy Chicken and Rice is ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a go-to comfort dish to your rotation that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying, give this Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe a try. It’s the kind of meal that warms the soul, pleases every palate, and leaves you looking forward to leftovers. I guarantee once you make it, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner perfect for cozy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts baked with flavorful spices, combined with creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream-infused rice, create a delicious, hearty one-dish meal that the whole family will love.

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
½ tsp salt

Rice and Cheese Mixture

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

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Add Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the dish.
Mix and Pour Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and sour cream until well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice and chicken.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and rice to absorb the liquid.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, letting the top become bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

You can substitute sharp cheddar with your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or frozen peas on top before baking.
Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture for perfectly cooked rice.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To make it gluten free, ensure the chicken broth is certified gluten free.

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