Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
If there ever was a weeknight champion, this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is it! Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with comforting flavors, this classic dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, melty cheddar, and just the right touch of herbs and spices. Every bite reminds me of cozy family dinners or sharing seconds (and sometimes thirds) with friends. The real magic? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup as easy as assembly. Whether you’re after crowd-pleasing comfort or a fuss-free meal, this recipe is about to become your go-to for delicious simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients create such a rich and satisfying Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. Each one has a specific role, blending harmoniously to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and that must-have golden, cheesy finish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy bites of protein; thighs offer extra flavor, while breasts keep things lean and classic.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: Soaks up all those savory casserole juices to become perfectly fluffy—no pre-cooking needed!
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and an extra hit of poultry flavor, making each bite irresistibly rich.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Lends earthy depth and silkiness, balancing out the chicken’s savoriness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things juicy and lets you control the salt level in your casserole.
- Sour cream: Knits everything together with a subtle tang for a delightfully creamy texture.
- Garlic powder: Offers a gentle garlicky warmth that permeates the whole dish.
- Onion powder: Instantly boosts the savoriness and complexity of your sauce.
- Dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthiness that pairs beautifully with chicken and rice.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—just the right amount so nothing overwhelms.
- Black pepper: Puts a little subtle heat in the background to keep things interesting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts lusciously into the casserole and forms that gorgeous, bubbly top layer.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Drizzled over the top for extra richness and to help the cheese get golden.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—this keeps anything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when serving up those golden cheesy squares fresh from the oven!
Step 2: Assemble the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, both cans of soup (that’s cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything looks silky and thoroughly combined. This is the heart of your Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe: full-on flavor in one quick swoop.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Now, stir in the raw, bite-sized chicken pieces and 1 cup of that lovely shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the casserole and the chicken will cook gently in all those flavorful juices, making every forkful extra tender and creamy.
Step 4: Fill and Cover
Pour the whole luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with foil so all that steam stays trapped—it’s the secret to soft, fluffy rice and perfectly cooked chicken in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Tender
Pop the covered dish into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. This is when the real magic of this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe happens: the rice gets tender, the flavors meld, and your kitchen will smell downright irresistible.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Butter
Once the timing’s up, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top, then drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. This step gives you that dreamy golden, bubbly finish everyone looks for in a comforting casserole. Bake, uncovered, for another 10 minutes until deliciously melted.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your casserole rest for five minutes once it’s out of the oven—this helps everything set up just right. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy and serve it up while it’s still warm and delightfully gooey.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and a fresh finish to the creamy richness. If you’re feeling decadent, try a dusting of paprika for subtle smokiness or some sliced green onions for a gentle bite. A handful of crunchy fried onions or crushed buttery crackers on top is also a total game-changer!
Side Dishes
This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with something light makes for a complete meal. Think a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, simple steamed green beans, or some honey roasted carrots. A fluffy dinner roll on the side is perfect for soaking up those creamy edges.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic into a showstopper simply by using individual ramekins for personal casseroles—they’ll feel extra special for guests or picky eaters. You can also scoop portions into lettuce cups for a lighter twist or even stuff leftovers into bell pepper halves before reheating for a playful new take. The possibilities are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe keeps incredibly well. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and intensify, making your next-day portion even more delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, divide cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual portions tightly in foil followed by a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. To keep the rice tender, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat servings in the oven at 350°F (cover with foil to prevent drying out) until bubbly and warm, about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave—just add a splash of chicken broth or water and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until steaming. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating to revive that signature melty top.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid slightly and increase the baking time, since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more broth. Keep an eye on it and add extra broth if needed before the last 10 minutes, so everything stays moist and tender.
Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in frozen peas, corn, or bite-sized broccoli florets during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Your casserole gets a colorful, veggie-packed upgrade with hardly any effort.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free canned soups, this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is easy to make gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the ingredient labels for your soups and chicken broth before you start.
Can I prep the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, let it sit on the counter while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. Easy and perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best taste and texture, oven reheating is preferred. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F until hot throughout. For quick lunches, the microwave works too, especially with a splash of extra broth and a bit more cheese on top for revived creaminess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving fuss-free comfort and a dish guaranteed to please just about everyone, this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. It’s creamy, comforting, and customizable—truly a dinner worth sharing. I hope it earns a spot in your personal rotation, just as it has in mine. Give it a try and enjoy those happy, satisfied faces at your table!
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Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that the whole family will love. Creamy and packed with flavor, it’s an easy dinner option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken Rice Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Stir in the raw chicken pieces and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Return to the oven uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- You can add frozen peas or broccoli for extra veggies—stir them in during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- For a crunchy topping, add crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions before the final 10 minutes in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
