Comfort Food Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Highlighted under: Cozy Collection

When the weather turns chilly, I love making my Comfort Food Chicken and Rice Bake. It combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, all baked in a delightfully creamy sauce. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it's the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out. We often enjoy this dish on cozy nights in, topped with fresh herbs straight from the garden. It's simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to favorite in our household, especially when the comfort of home-cooked meals is what we crave.

Created by

Elodie March

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:31:36.336Z

This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. I appreciate how the single baking dish minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. One day, I experimented with using brown rice instead of white, which not only added a nutty flavor but also made the dish healthier!

I also discovered that adding a splash of white wine to the sauce really elevates the dish, giving it a depth of flavor that’s unexpected for a simple bake. It’s those little tweaks that have allowed me to make this recipe my own and keep it interesting over the years.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken and rice
One-pan meal for effortless cooking and cleanup
Customizable with your favorite veggies and spices

The Role of Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce in this dish is not just for flavor; it plays a crucial part in the overall texture. The cream of chicken soup combined with chicken broth creates a velvety base that binds the rice and chicken together, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. For a healthier option, try substituting low-fat cream of chicken soup or making your own cream sauce with a roux to control the ingredients.

As the dish bakes, the sauce thickens slightly while simultaneously keeping the chicken juicy. This combination prevents the chicken from drying out, especially important for boneless breasts, which can quickly lose moisture in the oven. Bake covered for the first half of the cooking time to trap steam, then uncover it to let the cheese melt and brown beautifully on top.

Customizing Your Bake

One of the joys of the Comfort Food Chicken and Rice Bake is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for seasonal fresh produce – chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or peas can add not only color but also flavor and nutrition. If you're a fan of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture to elevate the flavor profile.

You can also enhance the recipe by incorporating canned mushrooms or using different cheeses for a richer taste. Gouda or mozzarella are excellent alternatives to cheddar and can give your bake a unique twist. Remember to keep the volume of your ingredients balanced, as adding too many might cause the bake to overflow during the cooking process.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a hearty meal that you'll enjoy.

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Make sure to have everything prepped before you start to streamline the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious chicken and rice bake.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your warm and comforting chicken and rice bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of your favorite herbs or spices to the rice mixture before baking.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing this dish ahead of time can save you precious minutes on busy weeknights. Combine the ingredients in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you choose this method, consider increasing the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through completely, testing for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Another option is to freeze the uncooked assembled dish. Use a freezer-safe baking dish and follow all steps until ready to bake, which can later be cooked straight from the freezer. Just make sure to extend your baking time by 15-20 minutes, possibly adjusting the foil coverage to prevent excess browning.

Reheating and Serving Suggestions

Leftovers from this chicken and rice bake can be easily reheated, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Simply cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through for even heating.

For a more sophisticated serving option, consider plating individual servings in colorful bowls and garnishing with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. Adding a side salad or crusty bread can elevate your meal, creating a comforting dining experience that feels more elaborate than a one-pan dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator, baking it just before you’re ready to serve.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven when desired.