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Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice
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Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice is a creamy, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs baked with long-grain white rice and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. This easy and versatile recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, and can be customized with various herbs, spices, and additions to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Grains

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cream or milk

Liquids

  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (gluten-free if necessary)

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley or other fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps lock in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
  2. Combine Rice and Liquid: In a baking dish, mix the uncooked long-grain white rice with chicken broth and cream or milk. Stir well to combine so the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice to create a creamy, melty crust when baked.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown and bubble beautifully while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice has absorbed the flavors.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the rice to firm slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or your choice of herbs before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor but increase baking time by 10-15 minutes.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken to develop a savory crust that enhances the final dish.
  • Cover tightly during baking to trap steam and keep the rice moist and tender.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more flavorful, melty topping.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking helps lock in juices and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy baked chicken, baked chicken with rice, comfort food, one-dish meal, family dinner, easy dinner, creamy chicken and rice

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-baked-chicken-with-rice/