Description
Hearty “Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice” delivers comfort in one spectacular dish, blending tender chicken with melted cheese and perfectly cooked rice. Savory flavors meld together, promising warmth and satisfaction for home cooks craving a delicious meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups macaroni noodles
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
- 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed chicken broth
Cheese and Creamy Components:
- 7.5 ounces (213 grams) Philadelphia Whipped Chive Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, then whisk in flour and cook until the mixture turns a light golden color, releasing a nutty aroma.
- Slowly incorporate milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked macaroni to the milk mixture, cover, and reduce heat to low, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
- Pour in condensed chicken broth and fold in shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Blend in whipped chive cream cheese, along with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky.
- Gradually fold in two cups of shredded cheese blend, stirring until the cheese melts and integrates seamlessly with the sauce.
- Pour the creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Crush Doritos into coarse crumbs and sprinkle generously over the top of the pasta, then cover with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve the indulgent, crunchy, cheesy creation to eager diners.
Notes
- Swap macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance protein content by using rotisserie chicken or adding extra shredded chicken to the recipe.
- Crush Doritos more finely for a more even crunch layer that coats the entire dish.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting a reduced-fat cheese blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg