Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake – Welcome to a recipe that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey! Our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake is a dish filled with cheesy goodness, creamy textures, and savory flavors. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food. With a combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and a hint of ranch, this bake is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive into the story behind this beloved recipe and why you should give it a try!
Picture this: it’s a cozy evening at home, and the delightful aroma of our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake fills the air. My husband, John, and I eagerly gather around the dining table with our little family. As we take our first bites, our taste buds explode with joy. This recipe has a special place in our hearts because it brings back memories of togetherness and delicious meals shared. It all started when we stumbled upon the original recipe and decided to give it a try. Little did we know that it would become a regular feature in our household. Our kids, who can be quite picky eaters, couldn’t resist the cheesy allure of this dish. It has become our go-to comfort food, making every mealtime a delightful experience. Now, we want to share this culinary gem with you and invite you to create your own treasured memories around the dinner table.
Why This Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake Will Be Your New Favorite?
- Unique Combination: Our recipe brings together tender cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice for a deliciously balanced meal that will satisfy your cravings.
- Burst of Flavor: With the addition of dry Ranch Dressing Mix, the dish receives a burst of tangy and herby flavors that perfectly complement the chicken and cheese.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese come together to create a luscious, creamy texture that coats every bite.
- Crispy Bacon: The dish gets an extra touch of indulgence with crispy chopped bacon sprinkled on top, adding a smoky and savory element.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 480 ml (2 cups) water
- 240 grams (2 cups) instant white rice
- 280 grams (2 cups) cooked chopped chicken
- 1 can (10.75 oz.) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 227 grams (8 oz.) container sour cream
- Half of a 28-gram (1 oz.) package dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- 112 grams (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 56 grams (½ cup) cooked chopped bacon
- 120 ml (½ cup) chicken broth or water
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and turn off the heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb all the water.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, Cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, dry Ranch Dressing Mix, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, chicken broth (or water), and cooked rice. Mix everything together until well combined.
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake!
Notes:
- You can personalize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or peas, for some added nutrition and color.
- For a lower-fat option, you can use reduced-fat sour cream or cheese, and opt for turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
In conclusion, our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake is a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and irresistible flavors, it has the power to bring your family together for a memorable and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this bake is sure to impress.
The combination of tender cooked chicken, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and a hint of ranch creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. The convenience of using instant rice and common pantry ingredients makes it a go-to recipe for those busy days when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, gather your loved ones around the table, create your own stories and memories, and savor the magic of our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake. It’s a recipe that has brought joy to our little family, and we hope it does the same for yours. Enjoy the cheesy, creamy delight and make every mealtime a special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of instant white rice?
Absolutely! While the cooking time may vary, you can substitute brown rice for the instant white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly or partially cook the brown rice before combining it with the other ingredients.
Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Definitely! If you prefer to use homemade cream of chicken soup, go ahead and substitute it for the canned version. Homemade soup can add an extra level of flavor and control over the ingredients used. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and consistency as needed.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the covering and follow the baking instructions as directed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish for future meals. Make sure to cool the leftovers completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake
Ingredients
- 480 ml 2 cups water
- 240 grams 2 cups instant white rice
- 280 grams 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 can 10.75 oz. Cream of Chicken Soup
- 227 grams 8 oz. container sour cream
- Half of a 28-gram 1 oz. package dry Ranch Dressing Mix
- 112 grams 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 56 grams ½ cup cooked chopped bacon
- 120 ml ½ cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set it aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and turn off the heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb all the water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chopped chicken, Cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, dry Ranch Dressing Mix, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, chicken broth (or water), and cooked rice. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust on top.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of our Cracked Out Chicken and Rice Bake!
Leave a Reply