Do Share Recipe

I made this Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe dish last weekend, and it instantly became one of my favorite cozy dinners. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug — creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.

After baking it for family night, I couldn’t stop smiling at how simple ingredients turned into something truly delicious. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights, yet still special enough for guests. Let me walk you through how I make it just right!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy, comforting dish. I’ve added tips so you know why each ingredient matters:

Cooking spray – helps keep the casserole from sticking.
2 cups rice – long‑grain rice cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided – freshly shredded melts creamier than pre‑shredded.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper – adds gentle heat and depth.
½ teaspoon salt – just enough to enhance all the flavors.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – lean meat that stays tender in the bake.
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup – makes the sauce rich and creamy.
3 cups water, or more as needed – hydrates the rice perfectly.
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix – boosts flavor without chopping onions.

Note: several serving

Variations

Want to make this meal your own? Here are some fun swaps and add‑ins:

Swap Cheddar for Mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder, gooey texture.
Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer, savory base.
Add cooked broccoli or peas to sneak in veggies.
Try dairy‑free cheese and cream of chicken soup alternatives to lighten it up.
Toss in paprika, garlic powder, or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s how the timing breaks down for this recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s the gear I use to make this dish smooth and stress‑free:

9×13‑inch baking dish – holds everything while it bakes together.
Oven – bakes the casserole to tender, cheesy perfection.
Measuring cups/spoons – ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
Mixing spoon – helpful for layering and blending ingredients.
Aluminum foil – perfect for tenting chicken while prepping.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Here’s how I put this comforting dish together — step by simple step:

Preheat and Prepare

I start by heating the oven to 350°F and spraying my baking dish with a little cooking spray. This keeps the rice and cheese from sticking as it bakes evenly.

Layer the Base

Next, I spread the uncooked rice at the bottom of the dish. Then I sprinkle half of the Cheddar over the rice and season it lightly with salt and pepper for that foundational flavor boost.

Add Chicken and Sauce

I lay the raw chicken breasts on top of the rice and cheese. I dot them with dollops of cream of chicken soup, pour the water over everything, then sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly for extra savory punch.

Bake to Perfection

I cover the dish with foil and bake for about an hour. If the rice looks dry before it’s done, I add a splash more water so it stays moist and fluffy.

Finish with Cheese

Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, I pull the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top. Letting it melt creates that irresistible gooey finish.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Based on how I’ve made this several times, here are a few tips:

Go fresh with cheese: I always shred a block of Cheddar at home — it melts so much better and tastes fresher.
Use broth instead of water: Whenever I swap water for chicken broth, the flavor deepens without much effort.
Check rice moisture: I peek halfway through baking — if it looks dry, I add a bit more liquid.
Let it rest: After baking, I let the dish sit for 5 minutes so the flavors settle and the cheese firms up slightly.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Here’s how I like to present and enjoy this dish:

Serve slices of the chicken‑and‑rice casserole on warm plates. I’ll often garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for color. Pair it with a crisp salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.

For dessert after this comforting meal, you might also enjoy something sweet like Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe or Chocolate Mint Brownies Recipe. For a family dinner, set it in the center and let everyone help themselves straight from the dish — it’s that comforting!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a snapshot of nutrition per serving from the original recipe:

Calories: 794
Protein: 46 g
Carbohydrates: 90 g
Fat: 26 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s how I handle leftovers and storing this dish:

Storage: After it cools, I cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: I’ve frozen leftovers in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. When I reheat, I let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating: To enjoy again, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at a low temperature until hot throughout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:

Comforting and cheesy: It’s the kind of dish that hugs your belly and pleases a crowd.
Simple prep: You basically assemble and bake — no complicated steps!
Family‑friendly: Even picky eaters often go back for seconds.
Versatile: Easy to customize with add‑ins or swaps for different tastes.

Ben Carraoli