Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake with Parmesan Cream Sauce: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Bake, topped with a rich Parmesan Cream Sauce. This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or Minute Rice for convenience)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (instead of water for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic-butter mixture, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
Pour the rice mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then place them on top of the rice mixture.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remove the foil, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top, and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, cheesy crust.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy this heartwarming, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion!