Name: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 uncooked chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each or homemade cream of chicken soup); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons onion soup mix (or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dinner that feels like a big hug on a plate. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is exactly that—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s one of those go-to dishes that always delivers on flavor and ease, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a cheesy baked casserole, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a pale, soft base likely made of cooked grains or a similar mix, and the top layer is melted cheese with orange and white patches scattered unevenly; the cheese layer is sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs for a pop of color. The surface of the casserole looks slightly browned and bubbly with some textured bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a wooden spoon and a bunch of green herbs, with part of a white cloth with green patterns visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t recommend this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. From start to finish, it’s effortless but delivers rich flavors that feel homemade and comforting.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, so there’s minimal cleanup—perfect for those nights when you want to spend less time in the kitchen.
Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheddar cheese on top adds that irresistible golden crust and creamy texture you can’t help but love.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you’re free to do other things—no need to babysit the stove or stir constantly.
Family-Friendly: This recipe has always been a hit with adults and kids alike, making it a reliable choice whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping leftovers.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. The chicken gives protein and substance, while the rice acts like a fluffy bed that soaks up all those wonderful flavors. Here are the key players:

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese on a white plate, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl filled with thick creamy homemade cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of fresh whole milk, a small mound of dry onion soup mix in a white dish, a few sprigs of fresh minced parsley loosely scattered, a small white bowl of coarse salt, and a small white bowl of black peppercorns, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long grain white rice: Absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy, giving you a perfect texture every time.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout and on top, providing that classic sharp and gooey cheesiness that ties everything together.
Chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and easy to slice, they cook right in the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as a rich, flavorful binder, creating a luscious sauce that keeps everything moist.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and extra savoriness, boosting the overall flavor without overpowering.
Milk: Lightens the sauce so it’s creamy but not too heavy, making the final dish smooth and luscious.
Onion soup mix: A secret weapon for adding an herby, savory punch that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Fresh minced parsley: Finishes the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor to brighten each bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—pay attention to this step so your dish is perfectly balanced.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. I’ve experimented with different cheeses, spices, and even thrown in some veggies to make it my own.

Variation: One time, I swapped cheddar for a smoky gouda and added sautéed mushrooms. It gave the whole dish a richer, earthier flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mix before baking if you like a little kick.
Veggie boost: Stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers for some color and extra nutrients.
Healthier swap: Use brown rice and low-fat cheese if you want a lighter version—just increase the baking time to ensure the rice cooks through.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

A white plate holds a square piece of a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a creamy, light golden rice mixed with small bits of vegetables, which looks soft and textured. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of light brown cooked meat. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and slightly crispy with some brown spots, sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. A silver fork slightly touches the side of the plate. In the background, a white casserole dish filled with more of the same casserole sits on a wooden surface next to fresh green parsley. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spray it well with nonstick spray. I like to spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom—it acts like a cozy bed for the chicken. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the rice. This layer will melt and ooze between the rice and chicken as it bakes, adding that creamy richness we all love.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and carefully cut each one in half lengthwise—it helps them cook evenly and faster. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken pieces on top of the cheese-covered rice, spacing them out a bit so everything cooks uniformly. This step is key because good seasoning here makes the whole dish pop with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Sauce and Broth

Now, spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and rice. This creates a luscious, velvety sauce while baking. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, which help the rice cook perfectly and keep the chicken juicy. Finally, sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly on top—this packs in a savory depth that makes this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe so special.

Step 4: Bake and Melt the Cheese

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender. When it’s done, remove the foil and gently stir the mixture to combine the rice and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the top and return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the casserole stand for 10 minutes—that resting time helps everything set up and makes it easier to serve. Before digging in, sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the top. It adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness nicely. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper if needed!

Top Tip

Making this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe over time, I realized a few small tweaks make a big difference, so here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail it every time.

Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken breasts lengthwise into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking so nobody ends up with dry edges.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the rice absorb more flavor and makes serving cleaner and easier.
Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain additives that can affect texture.
Watch Your Liquid: If you find your casserole is too soupy, reduce the broth slightly next time; if it’s too dry, add a splash more milk or broth.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

cheesy chicken and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh parsley because it adds a beautiful pop of green and a subtle freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I toss on a few thinly sliced green onions for an extra mild bite or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to amp up the flavor and color. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice on individual plates also works wonders for brightening every forkful.

Side Dishes

Because the casserole is hearty on its own, I like to serve it with lighter, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans bring fresh texture and color to the table. On casual nights, some crusty garlic bread is always a welcome companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a more polished presentation. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese and fresh herbs on each portion just before serving to wow your guests. Another fun twist is layering some crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for an indulgent finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice and chicken soak up even more flavor overnight, making the next day’s meal just as tasty—sometimes even better! Just make sure to cool the dish before storing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This bake freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Just be mindful that the texture of rice can change slightly, though the flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and warm it at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot throughout. In a pinch, a microwave works fine—just add a splash of broth or milk and cover loosely to prevent drying. Stir halfway through reheating to evenly distribute heat and retain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice in the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You’ll want to increase the bake time and possibly add a bit more broth to ensure the rice softens properly.

Is it okay to use store-bought cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! Using canned condensed cream of chicken soup keeps this recipe quick and convenient. However, if you prefer a homemade version for a fresher taste, you can easily substitute with a simple homemade cream sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to get the cheese to melt perfectly on top?

For the best melty cheese topping, sprinkle fresh shredded cheddar on top and bake it uncovered during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. Avoid foil covering at this stage so the cheese can brown and bubble nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s reliably delicious and comforting—a true crowd-pleaser that makes dinner effortless. I hope you give it a try, and when you do, I’m confident you’ll find it as satisfying and welcoming as I do. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together and makes you feel good about what’s on the table. Happy cooking, friend!