A comforting and hearty dish made with tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese—this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines comfort and convenience. The creamy rice, tender chicken, and melted cheese come together in a one-dish wonder that’s not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover chicken or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until smooth.
Add the shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the foil, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Protein Options: Swap the chicken for turkey, ground beef, or even canned tuna for a different twist.
Vegetable Additions: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a new flavor profile.
Rice Substitutes: Try using brown rice or wild rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Low-Calorie Option: Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and a light cream of chicken soup to cut back on calories.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
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FAQs
How do I ensure the rice cooks properly?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered with foil during baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the amount of chicken broth to about 1 cup since the rice is already cooked.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by whisking together 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of flour, then cooking until thickened.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make, versatile, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead meal, this recipe is sure to please. Try it tonight and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A comforting and hearty Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole made with tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this easy one-dish meal is packed with flavor and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
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 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until smooth.
- Add chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 340 kcal
