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; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 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; 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)

Just picture tender chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy bed of rice—that’s exactly what the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe delivers. It’s comfort food at its best, all in one cozy dish that’s surprisingly easy to pull together on a busy weeknight.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a three-layer casserole. The bottom layer looks creamy and beige, topped with a middle layer of browned bits that appear to be small pieces of cooked meat or vegetables. The top layer is melted cheese, mixed with yellow and white tones, melted unevenly to create a textured surface. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously across the top, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spoon to the left and some fresh herbs nearby. 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 has been my go-to for family dinners because it's as fuss-free as it is delicious. What I really adore is how it comes together in just one pan—less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, making prep and cleanup super simple.
Comfort in Every Bite: Creamy chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar—pure comfort food heaven.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy goodness mean kids and adults alike ask for seconds.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to swap or add in extras to suit your pantry and tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe has a role to play in creating that rich, hearty flavor and perfect texture. Choosing quality staples like good cheddar and fresh chicken really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a small white ceramic bowl, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese in a wider white ceramic bowl, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pale skin arranged neatly, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with creamy pale condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh white milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine golden onion soup mix powder, a few sprigs of fresh green minced parsley on a white ceramic plate, white ceramic bowls containing fine white salt and coarse black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: Cooks up fluffy and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides that rich, melty, and slightly sharp flavor that pulls the whole dish together.
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, especially when cut thinly to cook evenly with the rice.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth, but homemade versions work great if you prefer fresh.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory flavor, making every bite satisfying.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps keep the casserole creamy without being heavy.
Onion Soup Mix: A secret flavor booster that lifts the taste with a subtle onion and herb note.
Fresh Minced Parsley: Adds a touch of color and fresh brightness at the end.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the flavors.

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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

I love tinkering with this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe to make it fit whatever mood we’re in at dinner time. Feel free to experiment with spices or add- ins to make it truly yours.

Variation: I sometimes swap the cheddar for a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack to give it a gooey, spicy twist that my friends rave about.
Add Veggies: Toss in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking to sneak in some greens.
Swap the Soup: Using a homemade cream of mushroom or celery soup changes up the flavor nicely if you want to switch things around.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just be sure your soup mix and broth are gluten-free, and you’re good to go!

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

A white plate holds a thick slice of a baked dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow with a soft texture, the middle layer features tender cooked chicken with a pale color, and the top layer is golden melted cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs, slightly browned in spots. The dish is served on a white marbled surface, with fresh green parsley in the background and a silver fork resting on the plate’s edge. In the background, a white rectangular baking dish with more of the same layered dish is partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Lay the Foundation

First things first, I preheat the oven to 350°F and spray my 9x13 inch dish with nonstick spray. Getting the rice spread evenly in the pan is key—it helps it cook uniformly. Then I sprinkle a cup of that shredded cheddar right on top for an early cheesy layer.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Next, I cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they’re thinner and cook through nicely. A quick sprinkle of salt and pepper seasons them just right before I nestle the chicken pieces over the rice and cheese.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Layer and Liquids

Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the top of everything—this is where the magic starts. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then sprinkle the onion soup mix across the whole dish. The broth and milk make sure the rice cooks tender and creamy.

Step 4: Cover, Bake and Wait Patiently

I cover the baking dish tightly (foil works great here) and pop it in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The tempting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is always a sign that dinner is going to be amazing! Just make sure to check that the rice is cooked through before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking

Once out of the oven, I gently stir the rice and sauce to mix in all the flavors, then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top. Back in the oven it goes—just 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, which always feels like a satisfying last touch.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Before serving, I let it stand for about 10 minutes—this helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra salt and pepper finishes it off beautifully.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe foolproof and extra flavorful. These small tweaks can really take the dish to the next level—plus save you some stress in the kitchen!

Even Rice Layer: Spread the uncooked rice evenly so it cooks at the same rate—no crunchy surprises!
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the sauce thicken up perfectly.
Use Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch and great melt—I steer clear of pre-shredded cheese with additives if I can.
Cover Tightly: Make sure your dish is covered well during baking to trap steam that cooks the rice through.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

cheesy chicken and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh garnishes here—a handful of chopped parsley truly brightens the look and flavor. Sometimes, I like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dash of paprika for a splash of color and a hint of zing.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad work perfectly too, adding both color and freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the bake into individual ramekins and top with extra cheese and herbs. It looks charming and makes portioning a breeze. A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before that final cheese melt step gives a lovely crunch as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay great for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight—though the cheese topping is best fresh, of course.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to make it ahead. I recommend freezing before the final cheese topping and melt step. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake with cheese on top until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. If you’re short on time, the microwave works fine, but the oven keeps the texture just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer baking time and more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook. I recommend par-cooking the brown rice before adding it to the casserole to ensure it finishes perfectly.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts for this bake?

Absolutely! Just thaw the chicken breasts completely before assembling the dish to ensure even cooking. Cutting them in half lengthwise while still slightly firm helps with easier slicing and layering.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Look for dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version without dairy to keep the creamy texture.

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked in the bake?

The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid after the covered baking time—usually 1 hour 30 minutes. If it’s still crunchy, give it some more time covered in the oven, checking every 10 minutes to avoid drying out. Stir gently to test the texture before adding the cheese topping.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe has become one of my favorite easy comfort meals to make when I want something hearty without a ton of effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser that warms you up inside, and honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll add it to your regular rotation too. Give it a shot—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner.