Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s something about a hearty, homey Chicken and Rice Casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, savory sauce come together in perfect harmony to create a comforting meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy dinner after a long day, this casserole has you covered. It’s simple, flavorful, and the best part? It’s all made in one dish, so you can spend more time enjoying the food (and the company!) instead of worrying about cleanup.

Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s got that classic, comforting vibe that always hits the spot, and everyone—kids and adults alike—will be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Rice Casserole

Effortless Comfort

This casserole takes the best of comfort food and combines it into one easy, no-fuss dish. There’s no need for any complicated steps or ingredients—just simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something extraordinary. It’s pure comfort in every bite!

One-Pan Wonder

Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! With this casserole, everything cooks together in one pan, saving you time and effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Family Favorite

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to please a crowd, this casserole is a guaranteed win. It’s mild enough for kids but full of flavor for adults too. Plus, the creamy, cheesy sauce makes it irresistible!

Versatile

You can easily customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add some veggies, swap out the cheese, or throw in a few herbs and spices to give it a personal twist. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are the perfect base for this casserole. They bake up juicy and tender, adding a savory element to balance the creamy rice.

Rice

White rice (or brown rice if you prefer a heartier option) provides a fluffy, satisfying base that soaks up all the creamy sauce. It cooks perfectly alongside the chicken, making this a one-pan dish.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This is the secret ingredient that creates the creamy, rich sauce that holds everything together. The cream of mushroom soup adds flavor and helps the rice cook perfectly in the casserole.

Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) adds that melt-in-your-mouth goodness and gives the casserole that deliciously cheesy topping. It’s the finishing touch that makes this dish feel extra indulgent.

Seasonings

A little garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper go a long way in seasoning the casserole. For added flavor, you can sprinkle in some dried thyme, parsley, or paprika.

Broth

Chicken broth adds extra flavor and helps cook the rice, ensuring it’s tender and full of savory goodness. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-sodium chicken broth.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and reaches that perfect golden-brown top.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Rice Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, etc.). Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice mixture. You don’t need to cut the chicken; it will bake on top and cook alongside the rice, infusing the casserole with flavor.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The foil helps to trap moisture and steam the rice, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and rice. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice the chicken, fluff the rice, and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, comforting goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 27g
Vitamin D: 6% DV
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole

Fresh Green Salad

Pair this casserole with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the dish. A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the creamy casserole perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or broccoli, make for an excellent side. They add a little crunch and freshness to the meal, while still staying true to the comfort food theme.

Garlic Bread

For a more indulgent side, serve with warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on the plate!

Steamed Veggies

If you’re looking for something light and healthy, steamed veggies like green beans or peas would make a lovely pairing with this casserole.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner.

Add Vegetables

For added nutrition, you can easily toss in some veggies like peas, carrots, or spinach. Stir them into the rice mixture before baking for a pop of color and flavor.

Use Leftover Chicken

If you’ve got leftover cooked chicken, you can skip the step of baking the chicken on top of the rice. Instead, stir it into the rice mixture and bake as directed. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture for a spicy twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

A1: Yes! Brown rice works well in this casserole, but you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A2: Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to swap it out for mozzarella, gouda, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A3: Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.

Q5: Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

A5: While you can use skin-on chicken, boneless, skinless chicken works best for this casserole as it cooks more evenly and easily blends with the rice.

Q6: Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

A6: Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A7: It can be! Just ensure that you’re using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth, and you’ll have a gluten-free version.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

A8: Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients. Just stir them into the rice mixture before baking.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?

A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q10: Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

A10: Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, just shred it and mix it into the rice mixture before baking. This will save time and still give you a delicious dish!

Conclusion

Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in one easy pan. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite!

Print