This creamy, cheesy, and satisfying chicken and rice bake is a family favorite! It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for busy nights. This dish is also great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Rice & Sauce Mixture:
- 2 packets Knorr flavored rice (Chicken, Herb & Butter, or your favorite flavor)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of celery soup
- 3 cups water (or substitute with chicken broth for a richer taste)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack for extra gooeyness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cubed chicken to the pan and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, cook the chicken with ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
3. Mix the Rice & Sauce
- In your prepared 13×9-inch baking dish, combine:
- 2 packets Knorr flavored rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans cream of celery soup
- 3 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- Stir everything together until smooth and evenly mixed.
Pro Tip: Want extra richness? Add ½ cup sour cream or ½ cup heavy cream to the mixture for a creamier texture.
4. Combine & Bake
- Add the cooked chicken to the rice mixture and stir to distribute evenly.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap the moisture and allow the rice to cook through.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F.
5. Add Cheese & Finish Baking
- Remove the dish from the oven and stir everything together.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Pro Tip: If you like a crunchy topping, add crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top of the cheese before baking!
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps it thicken up and makes scooping easier.
- Pair it with a simple side dish, like roasted veggies, steamed broccoli, or candied carrots (just like you did!).
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My rice isn’t fully cooked—what went wrong?
✅ Make sure the foil is tightly sealed to trap steam and cook the rice properly.
✅ If using a different type of rice (like long-grain or brown rice), increase the water to 4 cups and bake for 45 minutes instead of 30.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
✅ Yes! You can assemble everything in the baking dish (except the cheese), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, stir and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
✅ Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then store portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
✅ Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
✅ Yes! Mix everything together in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cheese in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Tasty Variations & Add-Ins
🔸 Veggie-Loaded Version: Add 1 cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots before baking for extra nutrition.
🔸 Buffalo Chicken Rice Bake: Stir in ¼ cup buffalo sauce and use Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick.
🔸 Mexican Chicken & Rice: Use taco seasoning on the chicken, swap cream of celery for cream of mushroom, and top with jalapeños and salsa before serving.
🔸 Broccoli & Cheese Chicken Bake: Stir in 2 cups of chopped steamed broccoli before baking for a healthier twist.
Perfect Side Dish Ideas
Pair this casserole with these easy sides for a complete meal:
✅ Candied Carrots 🥕 (like you served!) – Sauté carrots with butter and brown sugar for a sweet contrast.
✅ Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Toss with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of parmesan.
✅ Crisp Side Salad 🥗 – Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the dish.
✅ Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs are always a good idea! 😆
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Only 10-15 minutes of prep time!
✅ Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.
✅ Comforting & Creamy: A warm, hearty meal that everyone loves.
✅ Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
Would you like a printable version of this recipe? Or maybe more casserole ideas? Let me know! 😊