Savory Cheesy Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake
Indulge in this Savory Cheesy Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake, a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, rich cheeses, and the aromatic goodness of pesto. This hearty casserole is layered with cooked brown rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and loaded with flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it hot, and watch as it disappears from the table!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (Tossed with melted butter)
Melted butter
1 tablespoon (For tossing with panko)
Butter
3 tablespoons (For cooking the sauce)
Flour
3 tablespoons (For thickening the sauce)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (To create the creamy sauce)
Sour cream
1 cup (For richness and creaminess)
Shredded English sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (For melty goodness)
Crumbled blue cheese
3 ounces (For tangy flavor)
Prepared pesto sauce
1/4 cup (For basil flavor)
Diced sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup (For added flavor)
Cooked brown rice
4 cups (As the base of the dish)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (or 3 chicken breasts) (Cut into chunks)
Freshly grated Romano cheese or Parmesan cheese
As needed (For topping before baking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside.
3
In a large saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn a light golden color.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by the sour cream, mixing until smooth and fully combined.
5
Add the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Repeat this process with the crumbled blue cheese until fully incorporated.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the prepared pesto and diced sun-dried tomatoes.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice and chicken chunks, then pour the cheese and pesto mixture over them. Stir until everything is well mixed.
8
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with grated Romano cheese and the buttered panko breadcrumbs.
9
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
32.5
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cheesy Pesto Chicken and Rice Bake?
It is a creamy and flavorful casserole dish that combines tender chunks of chicken, rich cheeses, brown rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic pesto, topped with a crispy panko crust.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked brown rice, shredded English sharp cheddar, blue cheese, prepared pesto sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken bake?
There are 450 calories per serving.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
What kind of rice is recommended for this bake?
This recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of cooked brown rice as the base.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which is approximately 3 chicken breasts, cut into chunks.
How is the crispy topping made?
The topping is made by combining 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 6 ounces of shredded English sharp cheddar cheese and 3 ounces of crumbled blue cheese.
What is used to thicken the cheese sauce?
The sauce is thickened using a roux made from 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour, followed by the addition of milk.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 30 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 25 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 32.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What role does sour cream play in the recipe?
One cup of sour cream is added to the sauce to provide richness and creaminess.
How much pesto sauce should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of prepared pesto sauce for basil flavor.
Are there any vegetables in this chicken bake?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
Can I substitute Romano cheese?
Yes, you can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as a substitute for Romano cheese.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
You should lightly grease a large casserole dish before adding the chicken and rice mixture.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of milk to create the creamy sauce.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this recipe.
When should the blue cheese be added?
The crumbled blue cheese should be added to the sauce after the cheddar cheese has melted, stirring until fully incorporated.
What should I do after the casserole is finished baking?
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving it hot.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a hearty casserole perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
How is the chicken prepared for the dish?
The chicken breasts should be cut into chunks before being combined with the rice and sauce.
How do I mix the panko breadcrumbs?
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until they are evenly coated.
In what order is the sauce assembled?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk and sour cream, then melt in the cheddar and blue cheeses.
What flavor does blue cheese add to the dish?
Blue cheese is used to provide a tangy flavor to the creamy sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
How do you incorporate the pesto?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the prepared pesto and diced sun-dried tomatoes.
What is the final topping before baking?
The final topping consists of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese and the buttered panko breadcrumbs.