Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, perfect for a simple family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. This recipe, inspired by classic home-style cooking, is incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love, this is it. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked goodness and is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
This casserole is a timeless recipe, reminiscent of the kind of dishes that made their way to family tables for generations. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking but also hearty and delicious enough to serve to guests. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the wonderful flavors that come together with minimal effort.
If you enjoy easy and comforting casserole recipes, you might also want to explore other variations like cheesy broccoli rice casserole or a classic tuna noodle casserole for more family-friendly meal ideas.
Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a Must-Try
This recipe stands out because it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Perfect for Potlucks: Travels well and serves a good number of people.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting chicken and rice casserole:
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced. About 3 cups. Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or chicken cooked in a slow cooker works perfectly.
- Instant Rice: 2 cups. Instant rice is key for the quick cooking time of this casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: One family-size can (approximately 22.6 oz). This provides the creamy base for the casserole.
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. For a classic cheesy topping and flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheddar, from mild to sharp.
Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken and Rice Casserole Perfection
Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious chicken and rice casserole:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, cook your instant rice according to the package directions. This usually just involves boiling water and adding the rice for a few minutes.
- Time-Saving Tip: Using instant rice significantly cuts down on the cooking time, making this a truly quick meal. However, if you prefer to use regular long-grain rice, ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Step 2: 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 everything together until well combined and creamy.
Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a casserole dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Spread it evenly in the dish.
Step 3: Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheese topping will melt beautifully in the oven, creating a golden and cheesy crust.
Spoon scooping creamy chicken and rice casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving and Enjoying Your Casserole
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set a bit and makes it easier to serve.
Optional Garnish: For a touch of freshness and color, you can garnish the casserole with fresh diced parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal. Rotisserie chicken is another excellent and convenient option.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding cooked vegetables to the casserole mixture. Frozen peas, mixed vegetables, or cooked broccoli florets would be great additions. Simply thaw and drain frozen vegetables before mixing them in.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Freezing: To freeze the chicken and rice casserole, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time if needed. You can also bake it from frozen, but it will require significantly longer baking time (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Ensure it’s heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy this classic Pioneer Woman inspired Chicken and Rice Casserole – a comforting, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
By: Pioneer Technology Inspired Chef
This simple Chicken and Rice Casserole is a quick and easy recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Instant Rice
- 22.6 oz Cream of Chicken Soup, family size can
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook instant rice according to package directions.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Cooking Tip: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Freezing Instructions: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 377kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
- Sodium: 947mg
- Potassium: 139mg
- Vitamin A: 515IU
- Vitamin C: 0.4mg
- Calcium: 228mg
- Iron: 3.4mg
Enjoy making this delightful Chicken and Rice Casserole! Rate and comment below if you try this recipe!
