Cozy Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 355kcal
This Cozy Cheesy Chicken Bake is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and tastes like pure comfort food. It starts with a simple stovetop cheese sauce that gets folded together with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and frozen veggies for an easy, all-in-one dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (42g)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (28g)
- 2.25 cups 18 oz. milk 2% or any
- 1 tsp dijon mustard or powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups shredded colby jack or cheddar cheese (168g) divided
- 12 oz. bag frozen mixed vegetables, carrots, corn, sweet peas & green beans or any mix
- 3 cups cooked chicken (350g) chopped/cubed or shredded
- 3 cups cooked white rice (375g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch dish and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute, until fully combined and smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the milk, starting with half and whisking until smooth before adding the remaining milk.
- Whisk in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the frozen vegetables, chicken, and rice, then pour the cheese sauce over everything. Gently toss until well combined and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and give everything a good stir. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, until cheesy and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Let cool completely, then store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 cup (211g) | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.7g | Protein: 25.4g | Fat: 15.4g | Saturated Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 77.8mg | Sodium: 537.4mg | Potassium: 405.1mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 4g