Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Return to oven, uncovered, for 10 more minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let sit 5 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce thicken and flavors settle.

Garnish with fresh herbs.

Serve warm—with a simple salad, steamed greens, or just a piece of crusty bread.

Bonus: Leftovers taste even better the next day. 🍽️

💡 Pro Tips for Next-Level Success

🕒 Save time: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.

🌱 Vegetarian? Swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans. Use veggie broth and mushroom soup only.

🧀 Extra cheesy? Stir ½ cup cheese into the base and top with more.

🌶️ Spice it up: Add paprika, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce.

🍝 Rice swap: Try jasmine or basmati rice for fragrance. Avoid instant—it overcooks.

🧊 Freeze it: Cool completely, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

🍲 Reheat right: In the oven at 350°F with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

🍽️ When to Serve This Golden Gem

🏃‍♀️ Busy weeknights when dinner needs to be fast and satisfying

🍲 Sunday meal prep for grab-and-go lunches

🎉 Casual dinners with friends who say, “Smells amazing!”

🫶 To someone who says, “I’m not hungry” —watch them eat two helpings

Because sometimes, the greatest gift you can give someone is a full plate and zero stress.

❤️ Final Thought: Great Meals Don’t Have to Be Complicated

You don’t need 17 ingredients or a culinary degree to make something magical.

Sometimes, all it takes is:

A can of soup

Some leftover chicken

A cup of rice

And a little faith in the oven

This recipe doesn’t ask for heroics.

It just asks you to show up, mix, pour, and trust the process.

And in return?

It gives you flavor, ease, and maybe even your evening back.