Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, this dish is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With just one pan and simple ingredients, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will love.

The first time I made this Chicken and Rice Casserole, I was looking for a one-pan dinner that required minimal effort. My husband loved how creamy and satisfying it was, and my daughter enjoyed every bite. Now, it’s one of our go-to recipes when we need something warm, filling, and delicious!

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Rice Casserole

•One-Pan Meal: Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

•Creamy and Delicious: Comfort food at its best.

•Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix and bake.

•Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Notes For Chicken and Rice Casserole

•Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender bites.

•Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice for a fluffy texture.

•Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances flavor.

•Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes the casserole extra creamy and rich.

•Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.

•Cheese (Optional): Cheddar or Monterey Jack for a melty, cheesy finish.

•Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Recipe Steps

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients:

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings.

2. Assemble the Casserole:

1.Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the greased baking dish.

2.Pour the soup mixture over the rice and stir to combine.

3.Place the chicken breasts on top and season with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Bake:

1.Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

2.Remove foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

•Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Variations & Substitutions

•Veggie-Packed: Add peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

•Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp.

•Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free soup alternative and almond milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice? Yes, but increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.

How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked? Make sure the dish is fully covered with foil while baking to trap moisture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, cozy, and so easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for any night of the week—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: American, Comfort Food

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ▢ 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth
• ▢ 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
• ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
• ▢ 1 cup frozen peas and carrots or any mixed vegetables
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing, optional

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Rice
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Mix Rice & Soup: In the baking dish, mix the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme (if using). Stir well.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots for extra flavor and texture.
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Optional Searing: For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Step 3: Assemble and Bake
• Place Chicken on Rice: Lay the seasoned (or seared) chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
• Cover and Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Add Cheese & Bake Again: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
• Step 4: Serve
• Rest & Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.