Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bake
Indulge in a delightfully comforting dish with our Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bake. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken breast, hearty mixed vegetables, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy and cheesy sauce. Perfectly baked to meld the flavors together, it’s a wholesome dish that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Great for family dinners, this recipe promises to be a hit with its balanced mix of taste and nutrition.
6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
10.75 ounces (can)
water
1 1/3 cups
long-grain white rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
mixed vegetables
2 cups (frozen)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon
chicken breast halves
4 (boneless, skinless)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 12" x 8" shallow baking dish, combine the Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, water, uncooked long-grain white rice, frozen mixed vegetables, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
3
Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves evenly over the rice mixture.
4
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, or your favorite poultry seasoning.
5
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
7
Remove the dish from the oven, carefully uncover, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
8
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread of your choice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I set my oven to for the Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bake?
You should preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before starting the bake.
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time than white rice.
Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the baking dish?
No, you should use boneless, skinless chicken breast halves and they will cook through during the 45-minute baking period.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 12" x 8" shallow baking dish is recommended for the best results.
Can I substitute the Cream of Chicken soup with another variety?
Yes, you can substitute it with Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Celery, or Cream of Broccoli soup if preferred.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Is it possible to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh mixed vegetables, though you may need to chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate as the rice.
What type of cheese is best for the topping?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, but you can also use Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What should I do if the rice is still crunchy after 45 minutes?
If the rice is not tender, add a splash more water, cover it tightly again, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The foil traps steam inside the dish, which is essential for cooking the rice and keeping the chicken moist.
How long should I let the casserole rest before serving?
It is recommended to let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to set and the flavors to meld.
Can I substitute water with chicken broth?
Absolutely. Using chicken broth instead of water will add extra depth and flavor to the rice mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is an excellent meal prep dish as it reheats well and stays flavorful for several days.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken and rice bake?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Ensure it is cooled completely and wrapped tightly before freezing for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What size soup can should I use?
The recipe specifies a 10.75-ounce can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup.
Can I add fresh onions instead of onion powder?
Yes, you can use finely diced fresh onion, but you may want to sauté them briefly before mixing them with the rice.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure that both the cream of chicken soup and the rice used are certified gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use two separate baking dishes or one very large roasting pan.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
This bake goes perfectly with a fresh green salad or crusty artisan bread.
What if I don't have poultry seasoning?
A simple mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, or just salt and black pepper, will work perfectly as a substitute.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
While not strictly necessary due to the soup base, a light coating of cooking spray can make cleanup easier.
Can I use instant rice instead?
This recipe is calibrated for long-grain white rice; instant rice would become too mushy with these cooking times and liquid ratios.
Can I add more cheese than the recipe calls for?
Yes, feel free to increase the amount of shredded cheddar if you prefer an extra cheesy topping.
Is it okay to use bone-in chicken?
You can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different vegetable blend?
Yes, any frozen vegetable blend like peas and carrots or a California mix (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) will work well.
What makes the cheese bubbly?
Returning the dish to the oven uncovered for the final 5 minutes allows the cheese to melt and develop a bubbly texture.