Description
A rich and comforting baked casserole made with tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one dish for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, melted butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, then arrange them evenly over the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the cheese is lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Notes
- Do not rinse the rice, as the starch helps create a creamy texture.
- Cover tightly during the first part of baking to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving for the best consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice casserole, chicken rice bake, easy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, comfort food dinner