Flavorful Creamy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe to Wow

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic chicken and rice bake with parmesan cream sauce delivers pure comfort.

Rich, velvety flavors meld together in a single pan that makes cooking a breeze.

Tender chicken nestles into perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Garlic infuses each bite with deep, aromatic warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

The cream sauce brings everything together in a luxurious embrace that promises satisfaction with every forkful.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, delectable one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a meal everyone will devour.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Rice Bake with Creamy Sauce

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy, adds rich flavor and beautiful golden color to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy stretch and mild taste that complements other cheeses.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings intense nutty depth and classic Italian essence to the dish.

• Butter: Creates luxurious base for sauce and enhances overall richness.
• Milk: Delivers smooth texture and helps create silky cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds decadent thickness and luxurious mouthfeel to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses savory background flavor and helps cook rice perfectly.

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.
• White Rice: Absorbs flavors beautifully and provides comforting base for the casserole.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic punch and depth to the entire dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create smooth, velvety texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Offers delightful crispy topping with golden crunch.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright garnish and subtle herbal note.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness.
• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish.

Tools to Create a Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake

• Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking the casserole with even heat distribution.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy Parmesan sauce and melting butter with garlic.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending roux and incorporating cream sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients gently.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping parsley for garnish.

How to Bake Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

• Prep Your Cooking Vessel

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick butter massage or spray with nonstick magic.

• Craft the Heavenly Cream Sauce

Dance some butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly. Sprinkle flour and whisk like a pro for a minute. Slowly pour milk and cream, stirring until the mixture transforms into a luxurious sauce. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.

• Build the Delicious Base

Spread uncooked rice across the baking dish. Pour in chicken broth and cream, mixing gently. Add shredded chicken and blend smoothly.

• Layer on the Cheesy Goodness

Drench the dish with Parmesan cream sauce, making sure every inch gets covered. Rain down cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

• Optional Crispy Topping

If you’re feeling fancy, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Unveil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

• Rest and Serve

Let the casserole chill for 5 minutes. Shower with chopped parsley and serve this creamy, garlicky masterpiece while it’s hot.

Tips for Rich, Cheesy Chicken Rice Goodness

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then follow original baking instructions.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary flexibility. Vegetarians can use cubed tofu or chickpeas as protein substitutes.
• Low-Carb Twist: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content. This modification works perfectly for keto and low-carb diet followers.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free. Select certified gluten-free chicken broth to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the cream sauce for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can introduce additional layers of flavor to the casserole.

Serving Up Chicken and Rice Bake the Right Way

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for balanced freshness.
• Weekend Brunch Hero: Serve alongside sunny-side-up eggs and bacon for a decadent weekend morning meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
• Potluck Perfect Plate: Transport this dish in a covered casserole carrier, keeping it warm and making it an instant crowd-pleaser at gatherings or community events.
• Side Dish Superstar: Complement with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or honey-glazed carrots to add nutritional variety and color to the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Rice Bake Easily

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and rice bake in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below, maintaining delicious flavor and food safety.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Can freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking. Frozen baked portions remain tasty for 2 months when stored in sealed freezer-safe containers.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide casserole into single-serving containers before storing. Helps manage meal prep, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner options throughout the week.

Creamy Garlic Chicken And Rice Bake With Parmesan Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy garlic chicken and rice bake brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables worldwide. Parmesan cream sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1.5 cups rice, long-grain white (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups milk
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (optional)
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh and chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Configure oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Craft Parmesan Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder; remove from heat.
3. Prepare Rice Base: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the baking dish. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over rice, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate shredded chicken, ensuring uniform distribution.
4. Build Flavor Layers: Drench the rice and chicken mixture with the prepared Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Lavishly sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses across the top.
5. Optional Crispy Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Bake and Rest: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest briefly to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and present this creamy, garlicky culinary creation immediately.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir rice occasionally during initial baking to ensure even cooking and prevent bottom layer from becoming too dense or burning.
• Adjust Liquid Ratio: If using brown rice or quinoa, increase liquid content by 1/4 cup to guarantee proper grain hydration and prevent dryness.
• Control Cheese Browning: Cover dish with foil if cheese browns too quickly, protecting surface from burning while allowing complete cooking underneath.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary preferences without compromising sauce richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg