There’s something so warm and cozy about a well-baked casserole, especially when it’s packed with flavor and has a gooey layer of melted cheese on top. This Savory Chicken and Rice Bake is everything you could want in a comforting meal. Combining tender chicken, hearty rice, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This recipe is not only delicious and family-friendly but also simple enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Bake
This Chicken and Rice Bake is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Easy Prep: With a bit of stovetop cooking and some oven time, this recipe comes together without too much fuss.
- Full of Flavor: Italian seasoning, sautéed onions, garlic, and cheddar cheese create a rich, savory flavor profile that’s anything but bland.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy mushroom sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese make this dish as comforting as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make this Chicken and Rice Bake:
- Chicken Tenderloin: Tender and quick to cook, chicken tenderloin is ideal for casseroles. You can also substitute with chicken breast if you prefer.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a balanced blend of herbs that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious flavors in this bake.
- Mushrooms: Sliced button mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic pantry staple creates the base for the creamy sauce, adding depth and richness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheddar makes every bite extra indulgent, with half mixed in and half sprinkled on top for a bubbly golden finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot, brown the diced chicken tenderloin over medium-high heat, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Using the same pot, melt some butter, then sauté the diced onions until they’re soft and golden. Stir in the minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prepare the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and remaining butter, and add the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. The rice will cook and absorb all the savory broth.
- Layer the Mushrooms: Place the sliced mushrooms on top of the rice, cover, and cook for an additional few minutes until the rice is tender and the mushrooms have softened.
- Combine the Ingredients: Off the heat, mix the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese into the rice mixture. This creates the creamy, flavorful filling.
- Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that melty, golden finish.
- Final Bake: Cover the casserole and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and everything is heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon generous portions onto plates and dig into the ultimate comfort food!
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Bake
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly.
- Let It Rest: After you take the bake out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Try Different Add-Ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Savory Chicken and Rice Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring the family together around a comforting meal. Easy to make, loaded with flavor, and absolutely delicious, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a family gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Savory Chicken and Rice Bake
Description
Indulge in this comforting and hearty Chicken and Rice Bake that combines tender chicken with flavorful mushrooms and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked, this dish is a family favorite that’s both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenderloin, diced
– 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 Tbsp butter, divided
– 3/4 cup onions, diced
– 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
– 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1 1/4 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
– 8 oz sliced button mushrooms
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, cook the diced chicken tenderloin over medium-high heat until browned. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a separate bowl and set aside.
3. Using the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining butter. Stir in the rice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top of the rice without stirring, cover again, and allow it to cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender.
6. Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
7. Add the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese to the rice mixture. Stir until well combined.
8. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Top with the remaining cheese.
9. Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and enjoy your delightful Chicken and Rice Bake!