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Easy Cheesy Dollar Store Chicken and Rice Bake

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A quick and easy cheesy chicken and rice bake perfect for family dinners, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a golden cheesy crust for comforting, budget-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 cup white long grain rice, uncooked (can swap for brown rice, adjust cooking time)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (recommend Kraft or Sargento)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300g) cream of chicken soup (store brand or Campbell’s)
  • 1 cup whole milk (dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used)
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice according to package directions until tender but not mushy (about 15-20 minutes). Drain excess water.
  3. If chicken is not cooked, poach or bake chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until no longer pink. Let rest and shred or dice.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add cooked rice, chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until evenly coated.
  6. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top. If using, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and topping is crispy. Cover loosely with foil for last 10 minutes if browning too quickly.
  9. Let bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken to save time. Freshly shred cheese for best melting. Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Add a drizzle of milk after baking if rice feels dry. Variations include adding vegetables, spicy ingredients, or bacon. For gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and toppings. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese, milk, and soup alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bake, cheesy chicken and rice, easy dinner, family meal, budget-friendly, comfort food, casserole

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-cheesy-dollar-store-chicken-and-rice-bake-recipe-for-perfect-family-dinners/