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Creamy Southern Loaded Chicken and Rice Casserole

creamy southern loaded chicken and rice casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy casserole combining shredded chicken, rice, cheese, and bacon for a hearty, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine also work)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (can substitute turkey bacon or omit)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups rice with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled. Leave 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, chicken broth, and melted butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Add cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), shredded cheddar cheese, and optional peas or corn to the creamy mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle reserved bacon and extra cheese over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use cooked chicken to avoid drying out. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth sauce. Leftover rice can be used to save time. For gluten-free, verify broth and bacon labels or substitute cauliflower rice for rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken and rice, southern casserole, loaded chicken casserole, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-southern-loaded-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/