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Cozy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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A creamy, cheesy chicken and rice casserole that is quick, easy, and perfect for cozy nights. This comforting dish blends tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. If desired, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and thyme. Optionally, sear them in a hot skillet with a bit of butter for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned but not cooked through.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen peas if using. Mix well.
  4. Add the chicken broth and melted butter to the rice mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Fold in the softened cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is smooth and evenly coated.
  6. Gently fold in the prepared chicken pieces, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese on top.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Covering the casserole with foil traps steam and helps cook the rice evenly without drying out the dish.’, ‘Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother texture.’, ‘Lightly browning the chicken adds flavor but is optional.’, ‘Check broth salt level to avoid over-seasoning.’, ‘Let the casserole rest before serving to firm up the texture.’, ‘Frozen peas add color and sweetness but can be omitted.’, ‘If casserole is dry after baking, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.’, ‘For leftovers, reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, creamy chicken recipe, cheesy casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, one dish meal

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/cozy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-creamy-cheesy-comfort-meal/