High Calorie Rice Dinner: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

A bubbling casserole of chicken, rice, and melted cheese that kids and adults fight over equally. High calorie comfort food that's as easy to make as it is to eat.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 520 kcal
#high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • cooked white rice 3 cups
  • cooked chicken breast, diced 2 cups
  • shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
  • sour cream 1 cup
  • frozen peas and carrots 1 cup
  • whole milk 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • onion powder 1 tsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 48 g 37%
Protein 28 g 22%
Fat 23 g 41%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish for even browning.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and add the onion powder and garlic powder for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add the diced cooked chicken, cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until well mixed and heated for 4-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Turn off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream and milk, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy base.

  5. 5

    Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

  6. 6

    Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?
The core ingredients are cooked white rice, diced chicken breast, and shredded cheddar cheese. These give the casserole its hearty texture, comforting flavors, and signature cheesy topping, making the dish rich and satisfying.
Q. How do I avoid a dry or mushy casserole?
Balance is key: use the specified amount of milk and sour cream for moisture, and do not overbake. Bake just until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly—about 25-30 minutes—to ensure a creamy interior and prevent the rice from drying out.
Q. What cooking technique gives the cheese topping its best flavor?
Uncover the casserole for baking and use an oven preheated to 375°F. Sprinkling the remaining cheddar on top ensures a golden, bubbly crust and aroma. Letting it rest after baking helps the cheese set for perfect serving.
Q. How many calories and protein are in one serving?
Each serving of this casserole provides about 520 kcal and 28 grams of protein. The protein accounts for roughly 22% of the total caloric value, supporting those aiming for higher protein intake at dinner.
Q. Is this casserole considered high protein compared to other rice dinners?
Yes, with 28 grams of protein per serving, this casserole delivers a significantly higher protein amount than standard rice-based dishes, qualifying it for a 'high protein' tag.
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