Description
At its heart, a Nashville hot chicken rice bake is a creative culinary crossover that solves the major dilemma of enjoying spicy food. Classic hot chicken is usually served over plain white bread, which can sometimes feel a bit dry or overwhelming. This recipe swaps out the bread for a luxurious, savory bed of grains cooked with heavy cream, aromatic vegetables, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lb (700 g) chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt + water mix)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Rice Bake
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or cooking cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Nashville Hot Oil Sauce
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Topping
- Pickle slices (optional but classic)
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
Mix chicken with buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a pan with a little oil and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add cooked rice, chicken broth, cream, and spices. Stir well.
Mix in half of the cheese.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer rice mixture into a baking dish.
Top with cooked chicken and remaining cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Mix melted butter with cayenne, paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt.
Drizzle Nashville hot sauce over the baked dish. Add pickles and herbs.
Notes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610 kcal
Keywords: spicy hot chicken rice casserole, baked cheesy Nashville chicken with rice