Description
Mouthwatering cheesy garlic chicken and rice bake promises comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Parmesan cream sauce elevates this classic one-pan meal into a delectable dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ¼ cup (300 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (120 ml) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Thermal Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and delicately coat a rectangular baking dish with a gossamer layer of butter or cooking spray.
- Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually stream milk and cream, stirring until a luxurious sauce emerges. Integrate Parmesan, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder before removing from heat.
- Casserole Assembly: Distribute uncooked rice across the prepared dish, then cascade chicken broth and cream. Nestle shredded chicken throughout the mixture, then cascade the Parmesan cream sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Lavishly sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Baking Transformation: Crown the casserole with a buttered panko breadcrumb crust. Envelop with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Unveil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese achieves a golden, bubbling perfection.
- Final Flourish: Rest the casserole for five minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, presenting a decadent culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Optimize Rice Absorption: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and perfectly cooked in the creamy sauce.
- Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk cream sauce continuously and use medium-low heat to maintain smooth consistency and prevent curdling or breaking.
- Chicken Moisture Management: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or well-seasoned, slightly overcooked chicken to prevent dryness and enhance overall dish flavor profile.
- Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or fontina for deeper, more complex flavor notes while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 558
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg