Name: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 3 uncooked chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each or homemade cream of chicken soup); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1 cup); 3 tablespoons onion soup mix (or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that brings smiles all around the dinner table. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is exactly that—a cozy, all-in-one meal that bakes up creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful every single time. Trust me, it’s worth having in your recipe rotation!

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a cheesy baked casserole, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a pale, soft base likely made of cooked grains or a similar mix, and the top layer is melted cheese with orange and white patches scattered unevenly; the cheese layer is sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs for a pop of color. The surface of the casserole looks slightly browned and bubbly with some textured bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a wooden spoon and a bunch of green herbs, with part of a white cloth with green patterns visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe hits all the right notes—it's simple to throw together, packed with cheesy goodness, and a full meal in one pan. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without standing over the stove.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, which means less cleanup and more time relaxing.
Cheesy Comfort: A generous layer of melted cheddar cheese makes this dish irresistibly creamy and satisfying.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, it basically takes care of itself—no babysitting needed!
Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to adults tends to love it, which makes dinner a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in flavor and texture, giving you a rich, creamy, and savory casserole. Here’s a quick tour of why these ingredients come together so beautifully and some tips for picking the best versions at the store.

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese on a white plate, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl filled with thick creamy homemade cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of fresh whole milk, a small mound of dry onion soup mix in a white dish, a few sprigs of fresh minced parsley loosely scattered, a small white bowl of coarse salt, and a small white bowl of black peppercorns, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long Grain White Rice: It cooks fluffy and separates nicely, soaking up all the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds that perfect tang and gooey texture when melted on top.
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they make the bake hearty and protein-packed. Make sure they’re cut evenly so they cook uniformly.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds a classic creamy richness; you can use homemade if you want to avoid preservatives.
Chicken Broth: Boosts flavor and moisture, keeping the rice tender and the chicken juicy.
Milk: Blends everything into a smooth, creamy sauce that makes the dish irresistibly soft.
Onion Soup Mix: Adds a lovely savory kick with herbs and spices that elevate the casserole’s flavor.
Fresh Minced Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens and balances the rich, cheesy flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring all the flavors together just right—season gently, taste, and adjust.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes or what you have on hand. I often mix things up to keep it exciting, and you should feel free to do the same.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier cheese flavor—try it if you prefer ooey-gooey cheese without the sharp bite.
Seasonal Twist: Adding sautéed mushrooms or frozen peas gives it a fresh veggie boost and makes it feel a bit more wholesome.
Make it Spicier: If you’re craving a little heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a gentle kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Just verify your soup and broth ingredients, or swap for gluten-free versions to keep this recipe allergy-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

A white plate holds a square piece of a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a creamy, light golden rice mixed with small bits of vegetables, which looks soft and textured. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of light brown cooked meat. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and slightly crispy with some brown spots, sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. A silver fork slightly touches the side of the plate. In the background, a white casserole dish filled with more of the same casserole sits on a wooden surface next to fresh green parsley. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9x13 inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent any sticky cheese drama later on. Then, spread the uncooked rice evenly in the dish—you’re laying the base for that delicious bake.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and fit nicely in the dish. A quick seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need here because the onion soup mix later will add plenty of flavor. Place the chicken right on top of the rice and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything—already smells amazing, right?

Step 3: Add the Creamy Sauce and Bake

Next, spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and rice. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then sprinkle the onion soup mix for that perfect savory punch. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow bake is what lets the rice absorb all the flavors and the chicken cook tender without drying out.

Step 4: Melt That Cheese and Finish Up

Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and stir the rice gently to mix in the sauce—don’t worry if the chicken stays mostly separate; it’s a layered dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and pop it back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until that cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps everything settle and makes spooning into portions so much easier.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe so many times that I’ve learned a few tricks to get it just right every single time. These simple tweaks make a big impact, so keep them in your back pocket!

Even Chicken Cuts: Cutting the chicken breasts evenly helps them cook at the same rate, preventing dry or undercooked pieces.
Rice Absorption: Use long grain white rice as it holds up well in the creamy sauce without getting mushy—stick to the recipe rice to keep textures perfect.
Foil Coverage: Make sure your dish is tightly covered with foil so the moisture stays trapped, helping the rice cook thoroughly.
Resting Time: Don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking! It gives the rice a chance to finish absorbing the sauce and makes dish easier to serve.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

cheesy chicken and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I adore finishing this bake with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra black pepper for a touch of heat and some crushed red pepper flakes if we want a spicy twist.

Side Dishes

Since this is a full meal on its own, I like keeping sides light and fresh. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans complement the creamy casserole beautifully without weighing things down.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in ramekins, then sprinkle the cheese on top and broil until bubbly and golden. It makes a lovely presentation and feels a bit fancy for a cozy comfort food. Garnishing with fresh thyme or chives takes it up a notch, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the casserole cool completely before covering and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days—that’s always a win for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe freezes surprisingly well. I bake it fully, let it cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers before freezing. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven for best texture.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes. This helps the dish stay moist and keeps the cheese from drying out or burning, unlike a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe?

Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If you want to substitute, pre-cook the brown rice slightly or increase the baking time accordingly to avoid a crunchy texture.

What’s the best way to make the cheese topping extra crispy?

To get a crispier cheese topping, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking and switch your oven to broil for a couple of minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. This creates a bubbly, golden crust.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake it later?

Yes! Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it well with foil, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a little extra baking time if it’s very cold going into the oven.

What can I use instead of condensed cream of chicken soup?

You can make a homemade creamy sauce using a roux of butter and flour cooked with chicken broth and milk, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, to substitute condensed cream of chicken soup. This gives you control over the ingredients and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe has a special spot in my kitchen for its simplicity and the way it brings everyone together around the table. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!