This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake with Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich, comforting, and easy-to-make one-pan meal. Juicy chicken, tender rice, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce come together in a cheesy, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes and easy cleanup.
- Creamy & Cheesy – A luscious Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Customizable – Add veggies or swap proteins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken & Rice:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Garlic (minced)
- Butter
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Flour (for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper
Topping:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Rice – In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add rice and stir for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them on top of the rice mixture.
- Make the Parmesan Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole – Pour the Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Different Cheese: Try Gruyère, provolone, or gouda for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase the liquid and baking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with this?
A simple side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread complement this dish perfectly.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Shred cooked chicken and mix it into the rice before baking. Reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.
How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?
Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, Alfredo sauce is a great shortcut.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the rice is tender.
What’s the best way to thicken the Parmesan sauce?
A roux (butter and flour) or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) works well.
Can I add bacon?
Absolutely! Crumbled bacon makes a delicious addition to the topping.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of cheese before baking or mix shredded cheese into the sauce.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake with Parmesan Cream Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, packed with creamy, garlicky, and cheesy goodness. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake with Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. With plenty of garlic and melted cheese, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the Parmesan Cream Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, spread uncooked rice evenly.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine.
- Add shredded chicken and mix gently.
- Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Add Topping & Bake
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter (if using). Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness!
Notes
- Rice Alternatives: Swap white rice for brown rice (increase broth to 3 1/2 cups) or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Chicken Variations: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with turkey.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.