Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings. Made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and a golden, bubbling cheese topping, this easy one-pan recipe is sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 cups frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, or mixed veggies)
Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the cooked chicken and measure out all ingredients.
- Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, cream soup, chicken broth, and seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper). Stir well.
- Add Chicken & Vegetables: Fold in shredded chicken and frozen vegetables until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Add Cheese & Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If using a crunchy topping, mix melted butter with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Rest & Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier casserole: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- For brown rice: Increase cooking time by 10–15 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~7g
- Sugar: ~350 kcal
- Sodium: ~3g
- Fat: ~600mg
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~20g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg