If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food this week, look no further than this Chicken and Rice Casserole. With its irresistibly creamy base, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a blanket of melted cheddar, this casserole is pure heartwarming goodness in a single pan. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also easy to pull together, making it a weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing potluck favorite. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want leftovers to savor, this dish delivers all the cozy vibes with very little fuss.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken and Rice Casserole proves that you don’t need a complicated shopping list for fantastic comfort food. Each ingredient in this recipe has an important role to play, from building savory depth to bringing that signature creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and a little tip for each:

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces cut into bite-sized chunks for speedy, even cooking.
Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice absorbs loads of flavor as it bakes and keeps the dish fluffy instead of mushy.
Cream of chicken soup: Lends creaminess and chicken-forward flavor—a classic shortcut for making casseroles extra rich.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthy depth and blends seamlessly with the chicken soup for luscious results.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and well-seasoned without making things too salty—taste and adjust as you like!
Shredded cheddar cheese: A golden, melty topping that makes every bite more indulgent.
Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to brighten and boost the savory notes.
Onion powder: Compliments both chicken and rice, giving the casserole an extra aromatic kick.
Dried thyme: Brings a gentle herbal aroma that elevates the flavor profile.
Black pepper: Just enough to balance out the creamy base and add subtle heat.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken, ensuring it gets a jumpstart on flavor and stays juicy.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end, it adds freshness and a pop of color—totally optional, but highly recommended!

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish & Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps keep the rice from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. It’s a quick step, but don’t skip it!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken chunks and give them a quick sear for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re not looking for fully cooked—just a light golden color. This locks in juices and amps up the flavor that will infuse the casserole as it bakes.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Rice Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir in the uncooked rice. You’ll end up with a creamy, dreamy mixture—exactly what makes this Chicken and Rice Casserole so comforting.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Scatter the browned chicken pieces evenly over the top, nestling them into the mixture so every bite gets some chicken without crowding.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in all the steam—this is the secret to perfectly cooked rice. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the liquid has disappeared into creamy goodness.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the foil, sprinkle your cheddar cheese on top, and pop the dish back in the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes. Once the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, you’re done! Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes so it sets up and is easier to serve.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

This Chicken and Rice Casserole practically begs for a finishing touch. A handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens things up and adds color contrast, making your casserole look every bit as delicious as it tastes. You can also add a light sprinkle of smoked paprika for a little pop and a hint of warmth.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is rich and hearty, pairing it with something crisp and fresh is magic. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or lightly steamed green beans works beautifully to balance out the meal. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up every creamy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or gatherings, scoop generous servings into ramekins for individual portions. Want to impress at holiday dinners? Top with extra cheese and broil until golden brown, then serve family-style right from the baking dish—it’s warm, inviting, and totally irresistible. You can even mix in colorful veggies like peas or diced red bell peppers for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken and Rice Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container—leftovers will keep for up to 4 days. The casserole stays moist and flavorful, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

If you like to prep ahead, this casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly with foil or divide into freezer-safe containers. Frozen, it keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat your Chicken and Rice Casserole, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20–25 minutes if reheating the whole dish), or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating if it looks a little dry—this will bring back that luscious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice in Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice or wild rice, but you’ll need to increase the broth slightly and tack on extra baking time. Just be sure to check for doneness, as brown rice takes longer to get tender.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! This dish welcomes additions like frozen peas, broccoli florets, or diced carrots. Stir them in with the rice mixture before baking for an easy, all-in-one meal.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can double up on cream of chicken soup or use a can of cream of celery soup for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Since you only give the chicken a quick sear before baking it nestled in a creamy base, it stays juicy and tender. Just be careful not to overcook in the skillet—just a little browning is all you need!

Can Chicken and Rice Casserole be made dairy-free?

Yes, there are plenty of dairy-free cream soup and cheese alternatives available these days. Just swap them in for a version that fits your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling, golden-topped Chicken and Rice Casserole coming out of the oven—aromas filling the kitchen and everyone eagerly waiting at the table. If you’ve never tried it or it’s been a while, bring this classic comfort dish into your meal rotation soon. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face!

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect easy dinner option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
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
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown Chicken: Brown chicken pieces in olive oil in a skillet.
Mix Ingredients: Combine soups, broth, seasonings, and rice in a bowl.
Assemble: Pour rice mixture into the baking dish, top with chicken, cover with foil.
Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, then add cheese and bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.