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Easy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake BBQ Chicken and Rice Casserole

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A comforting, cheesy, and smoky BBQ chicken and rice casserole that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly sweet preferred)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1¾ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to coat evenly without mashing the rice.
  5. Fold in shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  10. Check doneness by fluffing the rice with a fork; if not fully cooked, cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until rice is tender and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking. Use cooked chicken only for safety. Brown rice can be substituted but requires longer cooking and more liquid. Optional add-ins include bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and fresh herbs. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, cheesy chicken rice bake, dump-and-bake casserole, weeknight dinner, easy casserole recipe

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-cheesy-dump-and-bake-bbq-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/