If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, satisfying dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is the perfect pick. It combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a luscious blanket of melted cheddar cheese into one harmonious dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy dish ready for weeknight dinners, this casserole hits all the right notes with comforting flavors and a delightful cheesy gooeyness that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step toward an unforgettable dish. The simplicity of the components makes it easy to follow, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this casserole a real crowd-pleaser.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: shredded or cubed, this protein-packed star adds heartiness and tender bites.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: provides the perfect base with fluffy texture once baked.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth: infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: brings creaminess and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- 1 cup milk: adds richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for topping: sharp and melty, it’s the signature cheesy glue making this dish irresistible.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: bursts of color and subtle sweetness to brighten the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: for a gentle savory punch that wakes up your palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: adds understated depth and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: a smoky hint that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: simple seasonings to balance and enhance every element.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil: for greasing the baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and develops a lovely crust.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil to create a non-stick surface that will help with serving and add a subtle richness to the edges of the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Liquid Ingredients and Rice
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir this mixture until it becomes smooth and uniform. This step is key because the rice will absorb all these flavorful liquids while baking, resulting in a perfectly tender base for the casserole.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Vegetables, Cheese, and Seasonings
Now, add the cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balanced taste and the cheese gets evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula—this helps the casserole cook uniformly and creates that delightful crust on top.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The foil seals in the steam that cooks the rice perfectly while preventing the top from drying out.
Step 6: Add Extra Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles with golden perfection.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Before serving, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps everything set so you get neat, comforting spoonfuls without the cheese sliding off.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a bright fresh contrast to the rich cheese. A little cracked black pepper can also enhance the aroma and flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the meal. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful for soaking up every last cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, topping each with a colorful sprig of fresh herbs. Alternatively, a side of sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce can add a playful twist to the traditional serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, sometimes tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings on medium power, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the heat and keep that cheesiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be swapped in for white rice, but keep in mind it usually requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to pre-cook the brown rice slightly before assembling the casserole to ensure it becomes tender within the baking time.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing before or after baking?
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked. If freezing before, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t add the final cheese topping until you’re ready to bake. If freezing after baking, just reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version?
Definitely! Making your own cream soup substitute with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth adds a fresh, homemade touch and lets you control ingredients and flavors, especially if you want to avoid canned products.
What can I use instead of frozen peas and carrots?
You have lots of options here. Frozen mixed vegetables, chopped broccoli, or even corn all work perfectly to add texture and color. Fresh vegetables can also be used but may slightly change the baking time.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To kick up the heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix. A dash of hot sauce on the table can also let each person customize their own bite of this comforting Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a delicious, no-fuss way to enjoy a comforting homemade meal that warms the soul. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend gathering, I promise this dish will become one of your go-to favorites. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy, comforting happiness!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and a blend of savory seasonings topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to achieve a cheesy, bubbly finish, this dish is ideal for family dinners or meal prep that satisfies with every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Preparation
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Mix Rice Base: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir this mixture until it is smooth with no lumps remaining from the soup.
- Add Ingredients: To the rice mixture, add the shredded or cubed chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the liquid, while the chicken and vegetables warm through.
- Top with Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to melt the cheese and create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Rest and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables of your choice if peas and carrots are unavailable.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- If you prefer extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the rice is fully covered by liquid to avoid dry spots in the casserole.
