Chicken or turkey, rice, corn, and cheese, with gravy
Common food
This is a hearty, savory comfort dish combining tender shredded poultry, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and melted cheese, all bound together in a rich, savory gravy. The texture is soft and cohesive, with pops of sweetness from the corn and a creamy, salty finish from the cheese. It's a balanced, calorie-dense meal providing a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats in every bite.
💚 Why it's loved
People love this dish for its ultimate comfort-food appeal—the familiar, savory combination of chicken, rice, and gravy is deeply satisfying and nostalgic. Its versatility allows for easy preparation using leftovers, making it a practical and beloved weeknight staple.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The dish can be high in sodium from the gravy and cheese, and its soft, refined carbs (white rice) may cause blood-sugar spikes for some. To counteract this, pair it with a side of fibrous vegetables like steamed broccoli to slow digestion, and consider using low-sodium broth for the gravy or a smaller portion of cheese.
Key benefits
- Provides complete protein from poultry for muscle maintenance.
- Offers quick energy from rice and corn carbohydrates.
- Contains calcium and fat from cheese for satiety and bone health.
- A convenient, all-in-one meal combining multiple food groups.
- The gravy adds moisture and enhances overall palatability.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
This dish is a classic example of 'hotdish,' a beloved Midwestern U.S. casserole tradition, where ingredients are often layered and baked into a single, cohesive meal.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 70.6 g |
| Energy | 149 kcal |
| Protein | 5.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.70 g |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 44.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.70 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 103 mg |
| Potassium, K | 142 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 424 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.58 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 7.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.80 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 1.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.09 mg |
| Folate, total | 21.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 11.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 28.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 16.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.12 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 19.0 ug |
| Retinol | 16.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 21.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 4.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 26.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 148 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.53 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.7 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.36 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.2 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.23 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it's an excellent make-ahead meal. Assemble it, refrigerate for up to 2 days, and bake until heated through. The flavors often meld and improve overnight.
What can I use instead of turkey?
Shredded chicken is the most common substitute. For a different twist, you could use ham, ground beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, but you must check labels. Use gluten-free gravy or thicken your own with cornstarch, and ensure any pre-made cheese or broth is certified gluten-free.