Comfort Food Chicken And Rice Bake

Name: Comfort Food Chicken And Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Warm & Cozy Home Meals

I absolutely adore this Comfort Food Chicken and Rice Bake! It reminds me of cozy family dinners when my mom would whip up a warm, hearty meal that brought us all together. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, savory sauce that just envelops the dish. Plus, the best part is how easy it is to prepare, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight meals or when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:45:36.209Z

Making this Comfort Food Chicken and Rice Bake was a delightful experience. I had some leftover chicken and wanted to create something comforting yet simple. The combination of the juicy chicken with the creamy rice truly elevates the dish. I decided to experiment with various herbs, and the fresh thyme made a noticeable difference in flavor!

One noteworthy tip I discovered is to let the dish rest after baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures a satisfying texture. Enjoying this meal with my family brought back fond memories, and I am sure it will do the same for you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and comforting with every bite
Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Great for making ahead and reheating

The Magic of Cream of Chicken Soup

Using cream of chicken soup is a game-changer in this recipe. It acts as a hearty binding agent, ensuring that every grain of rice and bite of chicken is enveloped in creamy goodness. Not only does it simplify the cooking process by eliminating the need for a homemade sauce, but it also adds a depth of flavor that enriches the overall dish. Opt for a low-sodium version if you're watching your salt intake—this way, you can still savor the creaminess without overpowering the main ingredients.

Should you want to switch things up, consider using a homemade white sauce as a substitute for the cream of chicken soup. This change can provide a fresh, lighter taste while allowing you more control over the spice and flavor levels. Just whisk together flour and butter for a roux, then incorporate chicken broth and seasonings before mixing into the rice and chicken.

The Importance of Cooking Time

The baking time is crucial for achieving that perfect, golden-brown top while ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Covering the dish with aluminum foil during the first half of the bake creates a steaming effect, allowing both the chicken and rice to stay moist. After the initial 30 minutes, removing the foil exposes the cheese to direct heat, helping it melt and bubble to a delightful golden color—look for a bubbly texture and a slightly crisped edge for the best results.

A common issue is overcooking the chicken, which can result in a dry texture. To avoid this, always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the chicken pieces. If you're using leftover rotisserie chicken, you can reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes, as you'll only need to warm up the dish rather than cook the chicken from raw.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.

Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Feel free to customize with different vegetables or spices as per your liking!

Pro Tips

For a creamier texture, substitute the milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead Options

This Comfort Food Chicken and Rice Bake is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time to ensure it's heated through. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze while still providing that homemade touch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, ensuring you don’t inadvertently overheat the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple garden salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the bake. A light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy flavors. For a cozy family dinner vibe, serve with some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce—it truly rounds out the meal.

Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added pop of color and flavor just before serving. Not only does this elevate your presentation, but it also brings a fresh note to the dish that complements the savory chicken and cheese perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup or even make a homemade cream sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure it's well-covered.