Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-dish comfort meal that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and gooey melted cheese into a hearty and satisfying bake. This recipe is a weeknight hero—simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Whether served for dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (use red and green for color)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup tomato sauce (or salsa for a zesty twist)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

  ADVERTISEMENT

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

  ADVERTISEMENT

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the vegetables
   In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced onions and bell peppers until softened, about 4–5 minutes.

3. Prepare the mixture
   In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, tomato sauce (or salsa), chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed.

4. Assemble the casserole
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake the dish
   Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for the last 1–2 minutes while keeping a close watch.

   ADVERTISEMENT

6. Serve and enjoy
   Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a complete, balanced meal that’s as delicious as it is filling. The combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and creamy cheese makes it an irresistible dinner option. Best of all, it’s customizable—swap vegetables, try different cheeses, or add a kick of spice to make it your own. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, satisfying dish to share with loved ones.