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Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish Recipe

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken and Rice Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole that combines shredded chicken, long-grain rice, and a flavorful blend of Buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese soups. Baked to perfection with a crispy cheesy topping and an option for buttery Panko breadcrumbs, it’s an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or leftover)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium optional)
  • 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or favorite Buffalo wing sauce)
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional Ingredients and Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for crispy topping)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Extra ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • More hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, chicken broth, Frank’s RedHot sauce, and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened and cubed cream cheese to the sauce mixture. Whisk vigorously until the cream cheese is mostly incorporated, allowing a few small lumps that will melt during baking for a creamy texture.
  4. Incorporate Rice and Chicken: Gently stir the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded cooked chicken into the sauce, ensuring even coating throughout for consistent flavor in every bite.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  6. First Bake (Covered): Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through without drying out.
  7. Prepare Topping: If using, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl to create a crispy topping.
  8. Second Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil carefully after 45 minutes; the rice should look tender. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If using, sprinkle the buttered Panko breadcrumbs on top.
  9. Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns lightly golden, and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors, preventing burns from hot filling.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, crumbled blue cheese, additional dressing, or more hot sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience and flavor.
  • Do not use instant rice as it requires different liquid and cooking times.
  • Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth can help reduce salt content.
  • The dish can be prepared a day ahead; store tightly covered in the fridge and bake just before serving, adding extra baking time if baking cold.
  • Panko breadcrumbs are optional but add a wonderful crunchy texture on top.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to prevent mouth burns and improve sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken bake, chicken and rice casserole, spicy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, game day recipe

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/pour-the-chicken-and-rice-mixture-into-the-prepared-913-inch-baking-dish-recipe/