If you’re on the hunt for hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe should absolutely be at the top of your list. Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of cheesy, it comes together with minimal fuss and delivers maximum flavor. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a golden cheddar crust makes every bite deeply satisfying. Even better, it’s a dish that feels like a cozy Sunday dinner but is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe promises warmth and flavor in every delicious forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical dinners that gets its wow factor from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component brings something special, from the creamy soups to the hearty chicken and vibrant finishing touches. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe stand out every single time.
- Chicken (2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed): Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or leftover baked chicken for even deeper flavor.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup, uncooked): Uncooked rice absorbs all those incredible flavors as the casserole bakes, giving the perfect fluffy texture.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This gives the dish its iconic creaminess and savory backbone.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds an earthy richness and extra velvety texture.
- Chicken broth (2¼ cups): Keeps everything moist and lets the rice cook to tender perfection right in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The star of the show on top, melting into a golden, irresistible layer.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and aromatics that round out each bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts the depth of flavor with its gentle, garlicky zing.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Just the right herbal note for balance.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little nudge of warmth and spice.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For greasing the dish, it’s the secret to effortless serving and a hint of buttery taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of green for a fresh finish that elevates the entire casserole.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that heats up, take a moment to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter. This not only helps with easy cleanup later but also gives your casserole lovely golden edges.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Rice Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your uncooked rice, both cans of soup (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), chicken broth, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the rice gets coated evenly—this step is where all the magic starts blending together.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Spread that rice mixture right into your greased baking dish, smoothing as you go. Next, sprinkle your cooked chicken in an even layer right over it, so every scoop gets plenty of protein. Finally, generously top everything with the shredded cheddar cheese to ensure that gooey, golden finish.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and soak up all those delicious flavors. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, giving the cheese time to melt and brown into the ultimate irresistibly bubbly top.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes it easier to slice. If you want, scatter some fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and a subtle herby brightness.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch—its color pops against the golden cheese and adds a little burst of freshness. You can also try thinly sliced green onions for a gentle kick, or a dusting of smoked paprika if you want a touch of warmth and color to round out your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted seasonal vegetables, or buttery garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli or simple roasted carrots to add both color and nutrients to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this humble favorite into a dinner party star by spooning the Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins, topping each with extra cheese, and broiling for a gourmet feel. Or, serve in a big, family-style dish and let everyone dig in together—nothing says comfort like a bubbling casserole at the center of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Simply let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, staying delicious and moist.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Cool the casserole, portion it into airtight containers (or wrap the whole baking dish well with two layers of foil), and freeze for up to three months. When you’re craving a cozy dinner, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and warm your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling—about 25 to 30 minutes for a whole casserole, less for individual portions. In a hurry? Individual servings also reheat beautifully in the microwave, just add a splash of broth so everything stays creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can swap in brown rice for your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, but keep in mind that it takes longer to cook and may require an extra 15 to 20 minutes in the oven as well as a little extra broth to ensure everything stays tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free condensed soups (both chicken and mushroom) and check that your chicken broth is gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to boost nutrition! Try stirring in a cup of frozen peas, sweet corn, or diced cooked carrots. Steamed broccoli also makes a wonderful addition layered under the cheese for color and crunch.
Can I prepare this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything (except for the cheese), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring it slightly closer to room temperature, sprinkle on the cheese, and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to prevent the rice from being undercooked?
The key is to tightly cover the dish with foil so the rice steams, and to use the proper amount of broth. Make sure to measure your liquids carefully, and if your oven runs a bit cool, consider adding a splash more broth or extending the bake time by a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a bubbling, golden Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe with the people you love. It’s simple, welcoming, and full of feel-good flavor. I hope you make it, customize it, and let it become a comforting staple in your own kitchen very soon!
Print
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Creamy and flavorful, it’s a perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2¼ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing dish)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, soups, chicken broth, onion, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Layer and bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Layer with chicken and cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add frozen peas or broccoli for extra veggies.
- For a crispy top, broil uncovered for the last 2–3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
