If you are searching for a comforting, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal to add to your dinner rotation, look no further than this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, cheesy bed of fluffy rice, all infused with savory onion soup flavors that make every bite a warm hug. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that balances ease with rich tastes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe calls for simple ingredients that combine to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component adds a special touch, from the creamy soups that give the casserole its luscious body to the sharp cheddar cheese that brings delightful richness and color.
- Long grain white rice (1½ cups): The perfect base that cooks fluffy and soaks up all the delicious flavors beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (2 cans): Adds creamy comfort and depth, with options to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Water (1 cup): Helps cook the rice properly while keeping the casserole moist.
- Milk (2 cups): Contributes to the creamy texture and balances the richness of the cheese and soups.
- Onion soup mix (1 batch homemade or 1 envelope Lipton): Gives a savory, slightly tangy kick that enhances every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melts over the top and into the dish, providing a golden, gooey topping that’s pure comfort food.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (3 thick pieces): The star protein, seasoned simply with salt and pepper to let the other flavors shine.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a generous greasing. This ensures that nothing sticks and makes cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir these ingredients well to create a flavorful, creamy rice base that will soak up the savory goodness during baking.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure it’s spread out nicely so the rice cooks consistently throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Season and Add Chicken
Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then gently place them on top of the rice mixture. This layering method helps the chicken stay juicy while absorbing those delicious flavors from below.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. The foil traps steam, allowing the rice to cook through while keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice. This layer of cheese will melt beautifully, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Step 7: Finish Baking Uncovered
Bake the casserole uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is perfectly tender. This step lets the cheese brown slightly and the casserole thicken up.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy finish that’s utterly delicious.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this comforting casserole, consider sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving. A little green adds a lovely color contrast and a fresh bite that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe shines wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables adds freshness and balance to your meal. Roasted carrots or sautéed green beans make easy, flavorful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins rather than a large dish. This personal touch makes the meal feel extra special and perfect for dinner parties or cozy family dinners where everyone gets their own comforting portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers taste just as good, if not better, than day one.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe on hand for a future meal, freeze the fully cooked casserole in a freezer-safe dish or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until heated through and bubbly. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before warming for that fresh-from-the-oven cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?
Brown rice can be used but keep in mind it has a longer cooking time and firmer texture. You may need to adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly to make sure everything cooks evenly and stays moist.
Is it okay to substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cream sauces made from roux and broth or milk can enhance the dish with fresh flavors and less sodium. Just ensure the sauce is thick enough to hold the casserole together.
Can I make this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower, and use cream of mushroom soup in place of cream of chicken. It won’t have the chicken protein but will still be creamy and comforting.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture or sprinkling chili flakes over the top before baking adds subtle heat without overpowering the cheesy, creamy nature of the casserole.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well and can cut down the baking time. Add the cooked chicken on top of the rice mixture during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to heat through without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly comforting, making it a must-try for any home cook looking to bring joy to the dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, cheesy rice mixture infused with savory onion soup mix. A simple, hearty dish perfect for family dinners, it features a rich blend of cream soup, milk, and shredded cheddar for a luscious texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the prepared rice and soup mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to cook the chicken gently and allow the rice to absorb the liquids.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top, and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and temperatures to settle.
Notes
- Use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs based on your texture and flavor preference.
- Homemade onion soup mix can be substituted with a store-bought envelope for convenience.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the cheese melt smoothly and the dish set for easier serving.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
