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Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice
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Cheesy Baked Chicken with Rice is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked fluffy rice. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or hearty family meals, this recipe delivers cozy, rich flavors with minimal preparation and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain white rice

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings & Herbs

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffier rice. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season them evenly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mince the garlic and have it ready for mixing.
  2. Combine Rice and Broth: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Spread the rinsed rice evenly in the dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, making sure the rice is fully submerged for even cooking. Add the minced garlic and drizzle olive oil over the mixture, gently stirring to distribute ingredients uniformly.
  3. Add the Chicken and Cheese: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and broth mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture, which aids in perfectly cooking the chicken and rice. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
  4. Bake and Add Cheese: Bake covered for about 35 minutes. Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken and rice. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the rice to firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, cheesy chicken with fluffy rice.

Notes

  • Pre-soak the rice for 10-15 minutes before starting to soften the grains for improved texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Keep the baking dish tightly covered during most of the baking time to ensure juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
  • Don’t skip the resting period after baking to help the rice absorb remaining juices and set properly.
  • Choose cheddar for sharpness and great melting, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheeses can offer creaminess and milder taste variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy baked chicken, baked chicken with rice, one dish chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken and rice

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/cheesy-baked-chicken-with-rice/