Description
Cheesy garlic chicken and rice bake blends comfort with gourmet flair, creating a mouthwatering meal that balances rich flavors and satisfying textures. Parmesan cream sauce elevates this one-pan wonder, ensuring you’ll savor each creamy, golden-brown bite to the last morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Foundational Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
Cheese and Dairy Components:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup + ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (x2)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon salt (x2)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (x2)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Initiate oven preparation at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with butter or nonstick spray for optimal release.
- Craft a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
- Develop a roux by incorporating flour and whisking thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to build depth of flavor.
- Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, continuously whisking until the mixture transforms into a velvety, thickened consistency.
- Enrich the sauce with Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then remove from heat.
- Distribute uncooked rice evenly across the prepared baking dish as a foundational layer.
- Integrate chicken broth and heavy cream into the rice, ensuring thorough incorporation.
- Gently fold shredded chicken throughout the rice mixture, creating an even distribution.
- Cascade the prepared Parmesan cream sauce over the entire surface, guaranteeing complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle a trio of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – across the top.
- Optional: Create a crispy breadcrumb topping by combining panko with melted butter and dispersing evenly.
- Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to cook.
- Unveil the dish, removing foil, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese achieves a golden, bubbly perfection.
- Allow the casserole to rest briefly, permitting flavors to settle and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, celebrating the creamy, garlicky masterpiece.
Notes
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
- Reduce carbohydrate content by using cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative for keto and health-conscious diners.
- Opt for gluten-free flour or cornstarch when creating the roux to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making the dish heart-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg