There’s something about a warm, cheesy, and creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole that makes any meal feel like a comforting hug. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners when you need something hearty, simple, and satisfying. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The best part? It’s a true one-pan meal! Just mix everything together, nestle in the chicken, and let the oven do the work. No extra pots or pans, no complicated steps—just pure comfort food made with pantry staples.
Why This Recipe Works
- One Dish, No Hassle – Everything cooks in the same pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ultra-Creamy Texture – The combination of cream soup, milk, and cheese makes this dish incredibly rich and comforting.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice – The rice absorbs all the flavors from the chicken and seasonings as it bakes.
- Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike love this classic, cheesy casserole.
- Easily Customizable – Add veggies, swap the cheese, or use different soups to make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cans cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix (or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 3-4 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
I preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, I combine:
- Uncooked rice
- Cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup
- Milk and water
- Onion soup mix
I stir everything together until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
I pour the rice mixture into the greased casserole dish and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Nestle in the Chicken
Next, I place the chicken breasts directly into the rice mixture, making sure they’re slightly submerged.
I season the chicken with a little salt and pepper for extra flavor.
5. Cover and Bake
I cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (since the pan is very full) and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The rice needs time to absorb all the liquid, and the chicken needs to cook through.
(Pro Tip: Check at the 1.5-hour mark—if the rice is still firm, bake for another 15-30 minutes.)
6. Add the Final Touch
Once fully cooked, I remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and let it sit for 15-20 minutesbefore serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken & Rice Casserole
- Use Long-Grain White Rice – Short-grain or instant rice won’t absorb the liquid properly in this slow-baking method.
- For Extra Creaminess – Swap one cup of milk for heavy cream for an ultra-rich texture.
- Brown the Chicken First (Optional) – Searing the chicken before baking adds a richer, deeper flavor.
- Mix in Veggies – Stir in peas, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli to add color and nutrition.
- Try Different Cheeses – Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even smoked gouda add unique flavors.
- Make it a One-Dish Meal – Add chopped bacon or ham for extra protein.
What to Serve with Chicken & Rice Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides:
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A light, refreshing balance to the rich dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Asparagus – Adds a bit of crunch and nutrients.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and check for doneness.
Q: How do I make this ahead of time?
A: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting cold.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Let the casserole cool completely, then store individual portions in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Layer everything in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
A: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. If microwaving, sprinkle a little extra milk or broth over the rice to keep it moist.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Rice Casserole
This cheesy, creamy, and comforting casserole is perfect for busy nights when you need something warm, hearty, and easy. It’s a tried-and-true classic that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for company.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to family favorite.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to customize a chicken & rice casserole? Drop your ideas in the comments!
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, uncooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Leave a Reply