Comforting Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe For All

Comfort flows through every delectable chicken and rice casserole bite, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of melted cheese create a creamy landscape that hugs tender chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special like this straightforward yet indulgent dish.

Hearty ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Simple pantry staples transform into something magical with minimal effort.

Crispy edges and golden-brown surfaces hint at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Eager diners will find themselves reaching for seconds before the first serving disappears.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Favorites

• Craft a Comfort Feast: Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this hearty chicken gnocchi soup that wraps you in warmth and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-soothing meal.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-quality soup in just a few simple steps, making it an ideal recipe for busy home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack your meal with vegetables, protein, and soft potato gnocchi, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in a single pot with minimal cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Appeal to both kids and adults with its creamy texture, mild seasonings, and familiar ingredients that make this soup a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole

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

• Rice: An uncooked grain that will absorb the liquid and create a hearty foundation for the casserole.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Contributes to the rich and smooth texture of the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and enhances the savory profile of the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, gooey layer on top of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional ingredient that provides a crispy and crunchy texture when broiled.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Dish

Turn on the oven to 375F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix The Delicious Base

• Shredded chicken
• Uncooked white rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Whole milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined and create a creamy mixture.

Step 3: Spread And Cover

Pour the chicken and rice blend into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 6: Optional Crispy Topping

For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the melted cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy golden surface.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy your comforting meal!

Cooking Tips For Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Use instant rice for quicker cooking if you're short on time.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
• Add frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots for extra nutrition and color.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save preparation time and boost flavor.
• Choose low-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version of this comforting dish.

Flavorful Variations Of Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Southwestern Spice: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and replace chicken soup with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Broccoli Cheddar Boost: Incorporate chopped broccoli florets and sharp cheddar cheese for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Mushroom Wild Rice Blend: Swap white rice for wild rice mix and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, rich profile.

Complementary Dishes For Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad and tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture. The crisp vegetables will complement the warm, cheesy chicken and rice.
• Family Potluck Delight: Create individual portions in small ramekins for a personalized dinner experience. Top each serving with extra cheese and fresh chopped parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Simply reheat in the oven for 20 minutes before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals. Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete nutrition-packed dinner.

Proper Storage For Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Pack the cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents, and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase liquid and baking time. Brown rice needs more moisture and typically requires about 60-70 minutes of total cooking time.

• Is it okay to substitute cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup work great as alternatives. They provide similar creamy texture and binding properties for the casserole.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, substitute milk with low-fat milk, and add more vegetables like diced carrots or peas to increase nutritional value. Choose skinless chicken breast for leaner protein.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheesy chicken and rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with tender chicken nestled in creamy rice. Melted cheese and golden breadcrumbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend raw chicken pieces, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an uniform layer across the surface.
4. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture during cooking.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, monitoring the rice’s tenderness and preventing excessive drying.
6. After initial baking, carefully remove the foil and generously scatter shredded cheese across the casserole’s surface.
7. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a golden appearance.
8. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the melted cheese and activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a crisp, golden-brown topping.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving, which helps maintain its structure and enhances flavor melding.

Notes

• Choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks evenly and absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Substitute brown rice for added fiber and nutrients, but increase liquid and cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure proper tenderness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
• Enhance flavor by sautéing fresh garlic and diced onions before mixing into the casserole for a more robust taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg