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 13Ă—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 13Ă—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 ÂĽ 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!