If you’re craving the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines nostalgia, comfort, and gooey goodness in every bite, look no further than Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole. This classic dish checks every box: it’s creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chunks of chicken, and comes together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or showing up to a potluck, this casserole brings smiles to every table and is guaranteed to become a much-loved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its simple pantry staples, each chosen for flavor, heartiness, and ease. These ingredients work together to build irresistible layers of creamy, cheesy, comforting flavor.
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and packs in plenty of savory flavor.
- Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup): Its mild taste and fluffy texture soak up all the saucy goodness without turning mushy.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This adds delicious richness and pairs beautifully with poultry.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Enhances the casserole with an earthy depth and extra creaminess.
- Chicken Broth (2 cups): Lends flavorful moisture for perfectly cooked rice every time.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce satisfyingly tangy and creamy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): All that melty, golden magic is non-negotiable in this dish!
- Frozen Peas and Carrots (1 cup, optional): For a pop of color and a little sweetness, feel free to toss these in.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle aromatic warmth without overpowering the casserole.
- Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Offers sweet-savory undertones with minimal prep.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Customize your seasoning to suit your family’s taste buds.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures your casserole lifts easily out of the dish and cleanup is a breeze.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps every precious bit of your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole from sticking, ensuring creamy servings and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, peas and carrots (if you’re including them), garlic powder, onion powder, plus plenty of salt and pepper. The result is a thick, luscious mixture that’s begging to become bubbly and golden in the oven.
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Add your cooked chicken to the creamy mix and gently stir until everything is evenly combined. The chicken gets coated in all that flavor, promising tender, savory bites in every forkful of casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so the rice and chicken are distributed evenly. Cover tightly with foil—this traps in moisture as it bakes, ensuring the rice cooks up perfectly tender. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until you see bubbling edges and a mouthwatering aroma fills your kitchen.
Step 5: Add That Cheesy Finish
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the hot casserole. Slide it back into the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes—just until the cheese melts into a gorgeous golden topping. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so it sets, then dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, or even a dash of smoked paprika for that extra burst of color and flavor. These simple garnishes transform the casserole from homey comfort food to special-occasion worthy, and they add just the right touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make fantastic sides, balancing the creamy richness of the casserole. Some families love warm dinner rolls or homemade garlic bread on the side—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal portions—ideal for dinner parties or make-ahead meal preps. You can even scoop the hot Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, edible vessel. Presentation is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, simply reheat and enjoy—it tastes just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
This casserole is a lifesaver for meal planners! Assemble as directed, but stop before baking. Wrap the unbaked casserole dish tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you need a stress-free dinner, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual (you may need a few extra minutes if it’s very cold).
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes per serving. For the best results, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that freshly baked meltiness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it’s a good idea to par-cook it first or expect a longer total baking time, since brown rice needs more time and liquid to soften than white rice.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to stir in sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, spinach, or even corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure your veggies are cooked or thawed before mixing them in so everything bakes evenly.
Is Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole gluten-free?
This recipe can be completely gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free condensed soups and check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. It’s a simple swap that doesn’t compromise taste or texture!
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or even a blend for a new flavor twist. Just be sure to choose a good-melting cheese for that classic creamy casserole pull.
How do I make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Prepare the dish up to the point where you’re ready to bake it, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed (you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes since it will be cold going into the oven). Perfect for hassle-free family dinners!
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings people together like a bubbling pan of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole fresh from the oven. This warm, inviting dish is destined to become a weeknight favorite or a reliable “bring-a-dish” for gatherings. I hope you’ll give it a try and share the joy—because comfort food should always be this easy and delicious!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare. Creamy and cheesy with tender chicken and fluffy rice, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rice, soups, chicken broth, sour cream, 1 ½ cups of cheese, peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked chicken and mix well.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 50–55 minutes until rice is tender. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake for another 5–10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or broccoli for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be frozen—prepare in advance and bake when needed.
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