The Best Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets culinary magic in this ultimate cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy textures blend with hearty ingredients for a meal you’ll crave again and again.

Families adore this simple yet delicious dish that comes together effortlessly in one pan.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes mouths water instantly.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

chicken and rice transform into something extraordinary, packed with flavor and warmth.

Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Notes

• No culinary degree needed! This recipe is a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, requiring minimal prep and basic ingredients.
• Swap out peas, change up the cheese, or add your favorite herbs to make this versatile casserole uniquely yours, perfect for using what's in your pantry.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this casserole a weeknight hero, delivering a complete meal in a single baking dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients in Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary source of meat in this comforting casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that provides the foundational texture and bulk of the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Ingredients that create a rich and velvety sauce, adding depth and creaminess to the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid that helps cook the rice and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a golden, gooey topping and adds a tangy flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices and aromatics that build layers of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Peas: A green vegetable that adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Cooking Spray, Butter, Aluminum Foil: Essential items for preparing and baking the casserole to ensure proper cooking and prevent sticking.

How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or rub it down with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Magic

• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced onion
• Frozen peas
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s beautifully combined and looks like a cozy, creamy dream.

Step 3: Spread the Love

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon.

Make sure every corner gets some attention.

Step 4: First Bake Session

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 45 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and the rice to cook perfectly.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Pull the casserole out and remove the foil.

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to settle and cool slightly.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and watch everyone dig in with delight!

Tips for Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and create a creamy, tender texture throughout the dish.
• Replace chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for a versatile one-pan meal that suits different dietary needs.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to add depth and complexity to the melted cheese layer.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient and stress-free meal preparation.

Reheat and Store Chicken Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes, adding extra cheese on top if desired for refreshed flavor.

What Goes with Chicken Rice Casserole

• Savor Complementary Chardonnay: Light, buttery Chardonnay beautifully balances the creamy casserole's rich flavors, enhancing its cheesy texture with crisp undertones.
• Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Zesty mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette cut through the dish's heaviness, adding refreshing brightness and balanced nutrition to the meal.
• Roast Crispy Garlic Bread: Crusty, herb-infused garlic bread provides perfect crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy casserole, soaking up delicious sauce while adding extra texture.
• Serve with Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli introduces vibrant green color and nutritious crunch, complementing the casserole's hearty warmth with its clean, fresh profile.

New Twists for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Chicken Rice Bake: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch and chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds, and replace sour cream with coconut cream.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile, using feta cheese instead of cheddar.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or long-grain rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly, as different rice types absorb liquid differently.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this dish with leftover turkey?

Definitely! Leftover turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken, making this a great recipe for post-holiday meals. Just shred or chop the turkey and follow the same recipe instructions.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

No problem. You can replace it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this classic meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Creamy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
3. Carefully spread the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that ensures consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
4. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that helps retain moisture and cook the rice evenly during the 45-minute baking process.
5. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the casserole’s surface, allowing for complete cheese coverage.
6. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort dish.

Notes

• Customize rice texture by using long-grain white rice for fluffier results or brown rice for added nutrition and heartier consistency.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to reduce cooking time and add extra flavor depth.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternative and using plant-based cheese for melting on top.
• Boost vegetable content by adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional value and provide more colorful presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg