If you’ve been searching for a comforting, all-in-one meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheese in one warm dish, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of creamy soups, savory seasonings, and gooey cheddar cheese that create a dish both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser that’s ridiculously simple to make but gives maximum cozy vibes at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe plays a starring role in delivering that great balance of flavor and comfort. From the tender chicken pieces to the rich, creamy soups and the sharpness of cheddar, it’s a simple lineup you can trust to create something magical.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Bite-sized pieces that cook quickly and soak up all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Gives the casserole its fluffy, tender base that perfectly absorbs the broth and soups.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup: Adds a rich, savory creaminess that’s essential for that comforting texture.
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings an earthy depth that balances the chicken soup beautifully.
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist while infusing extra chicken flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Lends a subtle tang and richness, enhancing the creamy base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that lifts the savory elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle herby complexity that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle bite without overpowering the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided use gives you gooey melted cheese inside and a golden crust on top.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Creates a beautiful sheen and extra richness on the cheese topping.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, bright touch that makes the casserole pop on the plate.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick and to help with even cooking. This prep sets the foundation for an easy bake and cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to make a flavorful, creamy mix. This stage is where all those simple pantry staples meld into the soul of the casserole.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Stir the raw chicken pieces into the mixture until evenly coated. Then fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering of ingredients inside means each bite has melty cheese goodness with tender chicken and creamy rice.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Pour the entire mixture into the baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking. Cover the dish tightly with foil—this traps steam and ensures the rice cooks perfectly while the chicken stays moist. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 5: Add Final Cheese Layer
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to get that irresistible golden crust. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for about 10 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and just lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe rest for 5 minutes—this lets everything set up perfectly so it serves cleanly and stays warm longer. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy and want something fresh and colorful on your plate.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley isn’t just a garnish; it adds a lovely pop of green and a mild herbaceous brightness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy richness of this casserole. If you have chives or green onions on hand, they work beautifully too!
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is a hearty all-in-one dish, simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli round out the meal without overshadowing the main attraction. Light, fresh sides provide a nice balance to the creamy, cheesy goodness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a personalized touch. Another idea is to sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top before the final bake for an irresistible crunchy topping that adds both texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Simply cover tightly and you’ll have ready-to-go comfort food that reheats quickly without losing any of its creamy charm.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, it freezes well before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions, adding some extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help keep everything lovely and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time, so if you substitute it, you’ll need to adjust the liquid amounts and extend the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. White rice is preferred here for the perfect tender texture within the recommended bake time.
Is it necessary to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup?
Using both soups adds depth and a wonderfully rich creaminess, but if you prefer, you can use just one. However, combining them really brings out the full savory flavor that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese. Make sure to choose dairy-free cream soups or homemade versions to keep the casserole creamy yet suitable for dietary needs.
How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or diced carrots work great. Stir them in during the last 10–15 minutes of baking to maintain some texture and keep the veggies vibrant.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly. Also, baking the casserole covered with foil traps moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a true kitchen hero: comforting, easy to make, and perfect for any day of the week when you want a one-dish meal that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table. Trust me, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again!
Print
Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Rice Casserole recipe combines tender chicken pieces with creamy soups, long-grain rice, and flavorful seasonings baked to perfection with a golden cheddar cheese topping. It’s an easy, one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, delivering a creamy, savory, and hearty combination of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the raw, bite-sized chicken pieces along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup and rice mixture to ensure even distribution.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through completely.
- Add Cheese Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Add frozen peas or chopped broccoli for extra vegetables by stirring them in during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- This casserole can be doubled easily to serve a larger crowd—use a larger baking dish and increase cooking time slightly as needed.
