Comforting Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Family

Comfort arrives with this cheesy chicken and rice casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical dinner experience.

Melted cheese blankets tender chicken and fluffy rice in a creamy embrace.

Our family discovered this recipe during a chilly winter evening when hunger demanded something warm and satisfying.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

You’ll appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or quality.

Every forkful promises pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Best Storage for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store cheesy chicken and rice casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking period, typically 50-60 minutes total.

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

Thaw the chicken completely first and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Frozen chicken can increase moisture and affect cooking time, so ensure it’s thoroughly defrosted before adding to the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk, and replace cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole You’ll Enjoy

• Craft a Comfort Meal: Dive into a hearty, satisfying dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with minimal kitchen effort.
• Streamline Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one bowl, then transfer to a baking dish for a stress-free cooking experience that minimizes cleanup.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: Creamy, cheesy goodness meets tender chicken and soft rice, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Transform simple ingredients into a complete meal that requires just a single baking dish, making weeknight dinners a breeze for busy families.

Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: Provides a fluffy and filling foundation for the entire dish.
• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy and rich sauce that binds all ingredients together.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts on top to create a golden, gooey, and delicious finish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and savory notes to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid and enriches the dish's taste profile.

• Peas: Adds a pop of color and extra vegetable nutrition to the casserole.

How to Cook Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Mixture

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine All Casserole Ingredients

• Uncooked white rice
• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Frozen peas (optional)

Stir everything until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy your warm, comforting meal.

Tips for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and prevent mushiness during baking.
• Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Add frozen vegetables like carrots or broccoli for more nutrition and color contrast.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier version.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or almond milk to make the dish dairy-free and allergy-friendly.

Flavor Variations for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap rice with riced cauliflower, keep cheese and protein, and reduce baking time to 30 minutes for a keto-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, ensure chicken broth is gluten-free, and verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Mediterranean Remix: Add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and incorporate diced bell peppers and olives for a different flavor profile.

Pairings to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Family Dinner Star: Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side, adding fresh crunch and balance to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Potluck Champion: Bring this comforting casserole to community gatherings, where its hearty ingredients and crowd-pleasing flavor will make you the most popular guest.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal that reheats perfectly.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before the final cheese layer to add an extra crunchy texture and elevate the classic casserole.

Easy Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy chicken and rice casserole promises pure culinary satisfaction from first bite to last. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful meal that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, tender chicken pieces, and optional green peas into the sauce, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated.
4. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly, and seal tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during cooking.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook thoroughly.
6. Carefully remove the foil, generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier, allowing flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Customize the rice type for different textures, like brown rice for added nutrition or basmati for a fragrant twist.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a cleaner, preservative-free version that controls sodium levels.
• Enhance protein variety by mixing rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken or using leftover turkey for a budget-friendly meal makeover.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring all seasoning packets are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg