Easy Chicken & Rice Bake: Quick Dinner for Busy Weeknights

This creamy chicken and rice bake is a true weeknight hero, offering a healthy and budget-friendly dinner solution that’s perfect for busy families.

After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe, and this easy chicken over rice dish comes together with minimal effort, making it a go-to for many.

Discover how simple it is to create a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love, without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of comforting food that feels like a warm hug, yet requires very little fuss.

Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy chicken and rice bake is a true weeknight hero, offering a healthy and budget-friendly dinner solution that’s perfect for busy families. After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe, and this easy chicken over rice dish comes together with minimal effort, making it a go-to for many. Discover how simple it is to create a satisfying meal that everyone at the table will love, without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of comforting food that feels like a warm hug, yet requires very little fuss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups cooked white rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken and the cooked white rice to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the chicken and rice are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula to create a consistent layer.

5. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture.

6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.

7. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and beautifully golden brown.

8. Once out of the oven, let the chicken and rice bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: chicken, rice, bake, creamy, casserole, easy, weeknight, comfort food, dinner, family

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an absolute lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule. It’s perfect for families looking for a wholesome meal that doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients or advanced culinary skills. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, transforming simple pantry staples into a delicious, creamy chicken and rice bake that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This dish is ideal for those weeknights when time is short but you still want to put a homemade meal on the table. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully, providing delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. The combination of tender chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy sauce is pure comfort food, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this easy chicken and rice bake is straightforward, relying on common items you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to create a flavorful meal with minimal fuss.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

For the cooked chicken, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken, boil and shred chicken breasts, or even use canned chicken for an even quicker prep. Any brand of condensed cream of chicken soup will work perfectly here. If you prefer, you can use a low-sodium version. Whole milk or 2% milk are both suitable, and light sour cream can be used if you’re looking to reduce fat content slightly. For the cheese, a sharp or mild cheddar works wonderfully, but you could also experiment with a Monterey Jack or a Colby blend for a different flavor profile.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe truly lives up to its “quick dinner” promise, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

The minimal prep time is thanks to using already cooked chicken and rice, which are the main components. The baking time is just enough to heat everything through, melt the cheese, and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious chicken and rice bake is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and comforting meal every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup and that your bake slides out smoothly.
2. Combine the Creamy Sauce Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the rich, creamy foundation of your bake.
3. Fold in the Chicken and Rice: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken and the cooked white rice to the creamy soup mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until the chicken and rice are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the rice gummy.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with your spatula to create a consistent layer. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.
5. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This first layer of cheese will melt into the bake, adding flavor and richness.
6. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.
7. Add More Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and beautifully golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the chicken and rice bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop. Serve hot and enjoy!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy chicken and rice bake is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. For a simple side, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans would complement the richness of the bake perfectly.

• Vegetable Boost: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) to the chicken and rice mixture before baking. No need to thaw them first!
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred into the soup mixture can add a pleasant kick.
• Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh or dried herbs can elevate the dish. A tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives stirred in at the end, or a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning mixed into the sauce, adds a lovely aroma and taste.
• Kid-Friendly Toppings: Offer a small bowl of extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crushed potato chips for kids to sprinkle on top of their individual servings. This makes mealtime more interactive and fun.
• Party or Buffet Serving: This bake holds up well, making it a great option for potlucks or casual gatherings. You can keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after baking, or simply reheat it gently before serving.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even the simplest recipes can have a few pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help ensure your chicken and rice bake turns out perfectly every time.

• Overmixing the Rice: When you combine the cooked chicken and rice with the creamy sauce, resist the urge to overmix. Overmixing can break down the rice grains, leading to a gummy or mushy texture. Gently fold until just combined.
• Using Uncooked Rice: This recipe specifically calls for *cooked* white rice. Attempting to use uncooked rice will result in a dry, undercooked dish because there isn’t enough liquid in the sauce to properly cook raw rice. Make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish: Forgetting to lightly grease your baking dish can lead to the delicious, cheesy edges sticking to the pan, making serving difficult and cleanup a chore. A quick spray of cooking oil or a thin layer of butter is all it takes.
• Baking at Too High a Temperature: While you want the dish to be bubbly and the cheese melted, baking at an excessively high temperature can cause the top to brown too quickly before the center is fully heated through. Stick to the recommended 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.
• Skimping on Seasoning: The cream of chicken soup provides some seasoning, but a little extra salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder can really enhance the overall flavor. Taste your sauce mixture before adding the chicken and rice, and adjust as needed.
• Not Letting It Rest: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the bake to rest for 5 minutes after coming out of the oven helps the sauce set slightly. This makes for cleaner scoops and prevents the dish from falling apart on the plate.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This chicken and rice bake is fantastic for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage and reheating are key to maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.

• Storing Leftovers: Once the bake has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.