If you’re craving a comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant peas and carrots, and a golden layer of melted cheddar cheese that makes every bite pure joy. This dish is straightforward to prepare yet packed with so much flavor and texture that it becomes an instant family favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this casserole offers a satisfying dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, each playing an important role to create the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and texture in your casserole.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed: Provides tender protein that soaks up the creamy flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: The base that cooks up fluffy and soaks in the savory broth.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to cook the rice perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Brings a velvety creaminess that binds the dish together.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the creaminess for a smooth texture without heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Delivers sharp, melty cheesiness to every bite and a perfect golden crust on top.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Adds pops of color, natural sweetness, and a nutritious boost.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smoky note and gorgeous color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for greasing the baking dish): Prevents sticking and adds a slight richness to the edges.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or olive oil. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps create beautifully crisp edges.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture—this will be the flavorful, velvety sauce that cooks the rice and keeps everything moist.
Step 3: Add the Chicken, Veggies, and Seasonings
Add the cooked chicken along with thawed peas and carrots to the creamy base. Next, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well so all the ingredients are evenly distributed to maximize flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Transfer and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to promote even cooking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 50-60 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender, while the casserole thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Touch
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered, baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crust everyone loves.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly for cleaner serving and enhances the flavors as everything settles.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions works wonders for adding a fresh pop of color and brightness. For a little extra indulgence, crisp bacon bits or a drizzle of hot sauce bring exciting new layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness. Consider garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to scoop up every cheesy morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. Alternatively, layering the casserole in a clear glass dish shows off its colorful ingredients, making it as beautiful as it is comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It retains its creamy texture and flavors beautifully, making it an easy grab-and-go meal.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a no-fuss, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese on top is melty again, or use a microwave for a quick fix. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain that creamy, moist texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth accordingly and consider pre-cooking the brown rice to ensure perfect tenderness.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own from scratch. Double-check all packaged ingredients to keep it safe.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shredded turkey works brilliantly, especially after holiday meals. For a vegetarian twist, try using cooked mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild by default since the spices focus on warmth and savory depth. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce if you want a bit of a kick.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can easily substitute with a homemade white sauce made of butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. This keeps the dish creamy without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is the kind of comforting, flavorful dish that makes weeknight dinners effortless and satisfying. Its creamy, cheesy, and hearty layers come together with ease, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser every time. I truly hope you give this recipe a go and enjoy the cozy vibes it brings to your table as much as I do.
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are baked together in a creamy mixture of chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and vibrant peas and carrots for a deliciously cheesy, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main 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
For Greasing
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
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.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Incorporate the cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer, substitute frozen mixed vegetables or other veggies like corn or green beans.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Covering the dish tightly during baking helps the rice cook evenly and prevents drying out.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
