“My husband has made this for over 10 years… If it’s one pan, it’s wiped out. If it’s two pans, it’s gone by lunch the next day.”
That’s not an exaggeration — this is that recipe. The kind that quietly becomes part of your family’s rhythm. The kind you make for guests once and immediately get texts asking for it again. Comforting, hearty, and unbelievably easy, this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken & Rice Bake has earned its permanent spot in our dinner rotation.
Why This One-Pan Dinner Never Lasts
There’s something magical about a true one-pan meal. Everything cooks together, soaking up flavor, turning simple ingredients into something cozy and irresistible. This dish has been made in our home for over a decade, and it has never once seen leftovers past the next day.
✔️ One pan = minimal cleanup
✔️ Budget-friendly pantry staples
✔️ Creamy, cheesy, filling comfort food
✔️ Kid-approved, husband-requested, guest-loved
It’s the meal you make when you want everyone quiet at the table — because they’re too busy eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Simple, flexible, and probably already in your kitchen)
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2–2½ cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
2½ cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: frozen peas, broccoli, or mushrooms
How to Make It (So Easy It’s Dangerous)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together broth, soup, milk, garlic, onion, and seasonings.
- Stir in uncooked rice and chicken until well combined.
- Pour everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese generously on top, and bake uncovered 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving (if you can wait).
Pro Tips From 10+ Years of Making It
Double the recipe if feeding a crowd — trust me
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for heat
Swap chicken for turkey after the holidays
Leftovers reheat beautifully (if any survive)
What People Always Say
“This tastes like home.”
“Why didn’t I make two pans?”
“I need this recipe — now.”
And the most common reaction? Silence at the table… followed by seconds.
Perfect For:
Busy weeknights
Potlucks & family gatherings
Cold evenings when comfort food is mandatory
Anyone who loves a one-pan, no-fuss dinner
If your house is anything like ours, one pan won’t be enough. Make it once, and you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time.
💬 Save this. Share it. And don’t say I didn’t warn you when it disappears.