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; 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); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup + 1 cup); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

There’s something comforting about a warm, cheesy, and hearty meal that feels like a big hug on a plate. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe hits all those notes, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese over perfectly cooked rice. It’s such a satisfying dish that turns simple ingredients into a family favorite.

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’m genuinely excited to share this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe because it’s one of those go-to dishes I lean on when I want dinner to be both effortless and crowd-pleasing. It’s a real bacon-saver for busy weeknights but feels special enough for a casual Sunday meal too.

One-pan wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze — trust me, that’s a big win on busy nights.
Cheesy comfort: The blend of cheddar cheese throughout makes every bite rich, creamy, and downright delicious.
Versatile & forgiving: You can adjust the seasonings, soups, and cheese to your taste, which makes it easy to make your own.
Family favorite: This recipe always brings smiles around the table — even the pickiest eaters usually ask for seconds!

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic here comes from simple pantry staples working in harmony. The chicken provides juicy protein, while rice soaks up a creamy sauce infused with comforting flavors. Cheddar cheese binds everything together perfectly, and that onion soup mix? It’s the secret umami boost that makes this dish sing.

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 liquid perfectly without getting mushy, giving that fluffy bite.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor that balances the creaminess.
Chicken breasts: Cutting them in half helps them cook evenly along with the rice, keeping them tender.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy depth – you can swap for homemade if you like it fresher.
Chicken broth: Enhances richness and adds savory flavor to the bake.
Milk: Lightens the sauce so it’s creamy but not too dense.
Onion soup mix: A quick way to pack in that classic onion and herb savoriness without extra chopping.
Fresh minced parsley: Brightens up the dish at the end with a pop of fresh herbal flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning everything just right.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your flavor preferences or whatever you have in the kitchen. You can easily swap out ingredients or sneak in veggies without losing that cheesy goodness.

Variation: I’ve tried this with shredded rotisserie chicken for a super speedy version, and it worked beautifully—perfect when you’re short on time.
Dietary swap: For a lighter take, use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium broth, or even sub cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly.
Added veggies: Throw in some peas, diced bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition—I love sneaking in whatever’s in season.

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 Your Ingredients and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray—this helps everything release easily after baking. Spread your uncooked long grain rice in an even layer at the bottom. Then sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the rice; this little cheesy layer at the bottom adds a lovely flavor depth as it bakes.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and carefully cut them lengthwise in half. This thickness is perfect for cooking evenly during the bake without drying out. Season both sides with salt and pepper—simple but essential. Lay these chicken pieces directly over the rice and cheese layer in the baking dish.

Step 3: Pour On the Creamy Mixture

Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken and rice. Then pour in the chicken broth and milk, which create that creamy, comforting base. Finally, sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly on top for that savory hit of herbs and onion flavor that pulls all the elements together.

Step 4: Bake Covered and Then Add the Finishing Cheese Layer

Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid, then pop it into the oven for about an hour and a half. The rice needs enough time to soak up all those flavors and cook fully. After that, remove the cover carefully and give everything a gentle stir to combine the rice and sauce. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top and give it another 5–10 minutes in the oven to melt that beautiful cheesy layer.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish Before Serving

Once your cheese is melted and bubbly, take the casserole out and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest time helps everything thicken a bit and makes serving easier. Just before you dish it out, sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the top—it brightens the rich flavors and adds a lovely pop of color. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Top Tip

For me, the key to the best Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe lies in balancing the liquid so the rice cooks perfectly without getting mushy or dry. Here are some little things I’ve learned over time that really help nail it every time.

Even Chicken Thickness: Cutting the chicken breasts evenly ensures everything cooks at the same time, avoiding dry edges or undercooked centers.
Use a Tight Cover: Covering your baking dish well traps moisture, which helps the rice absorb the broth and stay tender.
Gentle Stir After Baking: When you remove it from the oven the first time, gently stirring keeps the rice from sticking and mixes flavors without breaking up the chicken too much.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting it stand after baking thickens the sauce and improves texture — patience pays off here!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a bright, fresh flavor and that little pop of color makes it look inviting. Sometimes I jazz it up with a light dusting of smoked paprika or chopped green onions for a subtle kick and eye-catching garnish.

Side Dishes

This bake is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to add some crunch and freshness to the plate. A simple cucumber tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders too for balancing the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for some crunch. It feels extra special but still keeps the cozy homemade vibe. You could also add a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of garlic bread to make it even more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making it a fantastic lunch option. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well if you want to plan ahead. I freeze it right after baking (skip the final cheese topping before freezing) in single portions or the whole dish wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, then uncover and add a little more cheese on top if you like, warming for an extra 5 minutes to refresh that melty finish. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel, but the oven method keeps it tastier.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can swap brown rice, but it needs a longer cooking time and more liquid. To adjust, pre-cook the brown rice partially or increase the broth amount and bake longer to ensure it becomes tender.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a simple homemade version by combining a roux of butter and flour with chicken broth and milk, then seasoning well. This will give you that creamy texture without the additives.

How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?

Make sure to spread the rice evenly in the baking dish and pour the liquids evenly over it. Covering the baking dish tightly traps steam to cook the rice thoroughly. If you follow the timing closely, the rice should come out perfectly tender.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead and keep it refrigerated covered tightly. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe has a warm place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s so reliably comforting and easy to customize. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for an easy meal, it never disappoints. Give it a try — I think you’ll find it becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again when you want simple, cheesy comfort food done right.