This simple Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that requires just a few readily available ingredients and bakes in 15 minutes or less. It’s incredibly creamy, wonderfully cheesy, and a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. This is an ideal recipe to prepare when you need to feed a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a hearty weeknight meal.
This classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is reminiscent of the hearty, home-style cooking often associated with the Pioneer Woman. It’s a timeless dinner recipe, much like the kind your mom or grandma used to make, and it evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It was certainly a favorite in my household growing up, and now my own children love it just as much. It has effortlessly become a staple meal in our home rotation.
If you appreciate a good, comforting, and classic dinner recipe, you might also enjoy other simple casserole dishes like this Ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe. The beauty of chicken and rice recipes lies in their simplicity and adaptability, and I have a few more easy variations here on the blog for you to explore.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice Casserole
This recipe stands out for its incredible ease and speed. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s what makes this chicken and rice casserole a winner:
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and a short baking time mean dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy flavors and comforting texture.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Great for Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing dish that travels well and is always a hit at gatherings.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Chicken Rice Casserole
To make this delicious chicken rice casserole, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken. This recipe is fantastic for using leftover chicken from a previous meal or a rotisserie chicken from the store. For a flavorful and convenient option, consider using my All-Purpose Slow Cooker Chicken recipe to have cooked chicken on hand throughout the week.
- Instant Rice: 2 cups of instant white rice. Instant rice is key for the quick cooking time of this casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 family-size can (22.6 oz) of cream of chicken soup. This provides the creamy base for the casserole.
- Seasoning: Simple yet effective seasonings including 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These enhance the overall flavor profile without being overpowering.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Cheddar cheese adds a classic cheesy flavor that complements the chicken and rice perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Rice Casserole
Making this chicken and rice casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Rice: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Cook the instant rice according to the package directions.
- Time Hack: Using instant white rice significantly cuts down on cooking time, making this a truly quick meal. However, you can substitute with any type of rice you prefer, just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and coated in the creamy soup mixture.
Once everything is well mixed, transfer the mixture to a standard casserole dish.
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Top with Cheese & Bake: Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken and rice casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh diced parsley for an optional pop of color and fresh flavor.
using a spoon to scoop out chicken and rice casserole
Tips for the Best Chicken Rice Casserole
- Utilize Leftover Chicken: This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover cooked chicken. Roasted chicken, baked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken work wonderfully.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) or a can of drained diced mushrooms to the mixture.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli florets for added nutrition and texture. Simply mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.
- Creamier Casserole: For an even creamier casserole, you can add 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead: You can assemble this chicken and rice casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking as directed.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze this chicken and rice casserole, prepare it as directed up to the point of baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe aluminum casserole dish. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the casserole to prevent freezer burn, and then wrap it again with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to bake, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Perfect for Potlucks and Family Dinners
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is truly a versatile dish that’s perfect for various occasions. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it an ideal choice for potlucks, family gatherings, weeknight dinners, and even meal prepping. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, embodying the spirit of home-style cooking that the Pioneer Woman is known for.
Enjoy this simple and delicious Pioneer Woman style chicken rice casserole! Let me know in the comments below if you try this recipe and how it turns out for you!
