This Chicken Rice Casserole is a one-dish meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and hearty meal for the family!
As a mom with kids, I love making Chicken Rice Casserole for my family. It’s one of those easy, comforting meals that everyone enjoys. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese makes it a favorite in our house, and it’s so simple to prepare, which is a big win for busy days.
What I love most is how versatile the recipe is. I can add extra vegetables or spices, depending on what we have at home, and it always turns out delicious. My kids love when I sprinkle extra cheese on top, and I often serve it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal.
This casserole is perfect for those nights when I want to serve something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s filling, tasty, and always a hit at the dinner table!
Why you should try Chicken Rice Casserole?
You should try Chicken Rice Casserole because it’s a simple, comforting, and filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful rice all in one dish, making it a convenient option with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (long grain or basmati)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How to make Chicken Rice Casserole
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped onion, frozen peas, and carrots (if used).
Step 3:
Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the rice mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and dust with paprika if you’d like some extra color.
Step 4:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 5:
Uncover the dish in the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly. Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 6:
Top with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Additional tips to make it even better
- Use rotisserie chicken – For a quick and flavorful option, use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add a rich, seasoned taste.
- Switch up the rice – Try using brown rice or wild rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition, but remember to adjust the cooking time as these take longer to cook.
- Add vegetables – Boost the nutrition by adding more veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. You can stir them into the casserole or layer them on top before baking.
- Cheese variety – Use a blend of cheeses, like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, to add more depth to the casserole’s flavor.
- Top with breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter or crushed crackers on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make it spicy
To make your Chicken Rice Casserole spicy, mix in diced jalapeños, green chilies, or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and drizzle hot sauce over the top for extra spice. These additions will give the casserole a fiery twist, perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors!
What to serve with Chicken Rice Casserole?
You can serve many tasty sides with Chicken Rice Casserole to make the meal even better. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are simple and healthy options that add color to your plate. A slice of garlic bread is another great choice, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from the casserole.
For something light and fresh, try serving a Caesar salad or cucumber salad. These salads bring a nice crunch and tangy flavor that balances the richness of the casserole. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach are also good vegetable sides that add extra nutrition to the meal.
If you want something more filling, soft dinner rolls or a side of coleslaw can be perfect. The rolls are great for scooping up the casserole, while the coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy texture to contrast the creamy rice and chicken.
How to store
To store Chicken Rice Casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions or as a whole, tightly covered, for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen casserole in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
FAQ
Can I use uncooked rice in the casserole?
- Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio. Use extra broth or water to ensure the rice cooks properly in the oven.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
- Yes! You can use turkey, ground beef, or even ham as alternatives to chicken for different flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, simply use a dairy-free cream soup and substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or leave it out altogether.
How can I make the casserole healthier?
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice, add more vegetables, and use low-sodium broth or soup to reduce salt.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
- Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack are great choices, but you can also try a blend of cheeses for more flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?
- Ensure there’s enough liquid (broth or soup) in the mixture, and cover the casserole while baking to retain moisture.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use leftover chicken?
- Definitely! Using pre-cooked or leftover chicken makes this recipe even quicker and easier to prepare.
Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes1
hour1
hour10
minutesThis Chicken Rice Casserole is a one-dish meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and hearty meal for the family!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1 cup uncooked rice (long grain or basmati)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped onion, frozen peas, and carrots (if used).
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the rice mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and dust with paprika if you’d like some extra color.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the casserole is bubbly.
- Uncover the dish in the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly. Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Top with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven, making it an easy weeknight dinner.