Creamy Chicken Rice Bake

Name: Creamy Chicken Rice Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics Reimagined

I absolutely love making this Creamy Chicken Rice Bake, especially on those chilly evenings when comfort food calls my name. It has become a favorite family meal packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy sauce. The beautiful combination of flavors and textures always leaves us satisfied and asking for seconds. Plus, it’s an easy one-dish wonder that eliminates a lot of post-dinner cleanup, allowing us to enjoy our time together without stress.

Created by

Marley Quinn

Last updated on 2026-02-06T17:33:37.556Z

I remember the first time I made Creamy Chicken Rice Bake for my family; they couldn’t get enough of it! The trick is to use high-quality chicken and a blend of spices that really enhances the creamy texture. Each spoonful is like a warm hug on a plate, and the aroma fills the house, inviting everyone to the table.

Over time, I’ve learned that letting it rest for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. I also like to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving, as it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Every bite is a reminder of just how comforting home-cooked meals can be.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that effortlessly coats every grain of rice
Savory chicken that stays juicy and tender
Convenient one-dish meal that simplifies cleanup

Ingredient Insights

The beauty of the Creamy Chicken Rice Bake lies in its heartwarming ingredients. Using cooked rice as a base not only adds texture but also absorbs the rich flavors of the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is satisfying. For convenience, you can use leftover rice or even instant rice; just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you're using instant. Each grain should remain fluffy and not turn mushy after baking.

Shredded cooked chicken is key to achieving that tender, juicy texture throughout the dish. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand, poaching chicken breasts in chicken broth for about 20 minutes will yield moist meat that easily shreds. This method not only infuses flavor but also helps utilize the broth for the sauce in this recipe.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great advantages of this dish is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare the entire assemble-ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, it can be frozen before baking, allowing you to pull it out for a quick dinner on busy nights. Just ensure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating is straightforward—just cover it with aluminum foil and bake it at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. If it was previously frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. I recommend checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it's properly warmed without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

While the Creamy Chicken Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, serving it alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables can add freshness and balance to the plate. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich, creamy nature of the bake perfectly, enhancing your overall dining experience.

For those who enjoy a little crunch, consider adding a layer of crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before the final baking. This addition provides a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making each serving even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start to streamline the cooking process.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the mixing process.

Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the rice mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and become golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

Make sure to serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the mixture. You can also swap out the cheddar for a mix of your favorite cheeses.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that the cheese isn’t melting as desired, it might be due to using a lower-fat cheese, which often doesn't melt as smoothly. Opting for full-fat shredded cheese can enhance the bubbling effect and create that beautiful golden crust on top, giving your bake both flavor and visual appeal.

Maintaining the right moisture level in the dish is crucial. If the mixture seems too dry before baking, adding a bit more chicken broth can ensure that the final dish remains creamy and doesn't end up being a dry bake. Always prefer a slightly wetter mixture, as it will thicken during the baking process.

Variations to Explore

Personalizing the Creamy Chicken Rice Bake can be fun! For a flavorful twist, try adding different vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. These not only introduce new textures but also brighten the dish. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix.

You can also experiment with the type of cheese used. While cheddar is a classic choice, mixing in pepper jack for a bit of heat or using mozzarella for a milder option can create unexpected flavor profiles. Don’t hesitate to play around with different cheese blends to find your perfect combination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! You can substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to a month.