Today’s comfort-food classic is a family favorite — Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.
This simple dump-and-bake casserole is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients mixed in a baking dish and baked until bubbly. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s ready in about an hour and will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is adapted from a Pillsbury favorite and renamed here as Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole. What makes it great is how easy it is to customize — add your favorite herbs or spices, swap cheeses, or toss in a vegetable for extra color and nutrition. Serve it with a green vegetable and a crisp salad for a winning weeknight dinner.
What you need: chicken tenders or breasts, butter, long-grain white rice, chicken broth, plain panko bread crumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh Italian parsley (optional).
To prepare: combine the chicken, rice, seasonings, and broth in a baking dish. Reserve the melted butter, panko crumbs, and about 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese to add toward the end of baking. Bake until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through; sprinkle with the remaining cheese, butter-soaked crumbs, and parsley, then return to the oven briefly to melt and brown the topping.
This dish is a favorite even with picky eaters — my family gave it enthusiastic thumbs up. It reheats well, too; leftovers are often even better the next day.
Note: This post credits the original source. The full, detailed recipe and printable version are available from the original recipe source if you’d like exact baking times and measurements.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup plain panko crispy bread crumbs
- 1 package (about 14 ounces) chicken tenders (not breaded), cut into bite-size pieces (or use chicken breasts)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Directions
For exact step-by-step directions and a printable version, please refer to the original recipe source. In summary: mix the chicken, rice, seasonings, and broth in a baking dish; bake until the rice is tender; add cheese and a butter-panko topping near the end of baking and brown briefly. For larger families, consider doubling the recipe.
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