Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake
A comforting and family-friendly dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice baked in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice Fluffy and soft, the perfect base for our dish.
- 4 cups chicken broth Infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Tender and juicy, the star of the show.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots Bright pops of color that add sweetness and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup diced onion Adds depth and savory sweetness.
- 1/2 cup diced celery Crunchy texture to enhance the overall bite.
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper A hint of sweetness and a colorful addition.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Brings creaminess to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream Creates a smooth and tangy base.
- 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses a delightful garlicky taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika Adds subtle smokiness and color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Gooey, comforting layer on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese A sprinkle of nuttiness for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white rice and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken pieces until they are no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add in the frozen peas and carrots, diced onion, diced celery, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour this creamy mixture over the cooked chicken and vegetables, then stir until everything is well combined.
- Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the rice in the baking dish, ensuring to cover it entirely.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
For extra nutrition, consider adding mushrooms or leafy greens. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor. Make-ahead friendly; just store in the fridge until ready to bake.