Cozy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Comforting Dinners

My grandma’s hearty chicken and rice casserole brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Warm memories swirl around this delicious dish that combines tender protein with fluffy grains.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly in every single bite.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful golden layer of flavor.

Weeknight dinners become magical moments when this classic recipe appears.

Simple ingredients work together to create something truly spectacular.

This casserole promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and fill your home with incredible aromas.

Let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds!

New Takes On Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with salsa, add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Swap chicken broth with white wine, mix in crumbled feta cheese, add chopped olives, and season with oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole: Substitute white rice with wild rice blend, increase mushroom soup, add sautéed fresh mushrooms, and top with crispy bacon bits for an earthy, rich variation.
• Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Pot: Stir in chopped broccoli florets before baking, use cheddar cheese, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, and include some diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Chicken And Rice Casserole FAQ

• Why use uncooked rice in this casserole?

Uncooked rice absorbs the liquid from soups and broth while cooking, creating a creamy, flavorful base that helps the rice cook perfectly and infuse it with delicious chicken and mushroom flavors.

• Can I use different types of cream soups?

Absolutely! While cream of chicken and mushroom work best, you can substitute with cream of celery or cream of onion soups to match your taste preferences or pantry ingredients.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F using a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents any risk of foodborne illness.

• What if I don't have sour cream?

No worries! You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even mayonnaise. These alternatives will provide similar moisture and tanginess to the casserole.

Why Chicken And Rice Casserole Is A Cozy Classic

• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: This chicken and rice casserole eliminates multiple cooking steps by combining everything in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and simplifying meal preparation for busy home cooks.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Requiring just 50-60 minutes of total baking time, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner perfect for families craving home-style cooking.
• Customize Your Flavor: Flexible recipe allows easy personalization with optional cheese topping, different seasonings, or protein variations like chicken breasts or thighs, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using common pantry staples like cream soups, rice, and chicken, this casserole creates a creamy, flavorful dish without requiring expensive or hard-to-find ingredients, ensuring accessibility for home cooks of all skill levels.

Everything Needed For Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Protein-rich meat that creates the hearty base of the casserole, tender when baked with creamy sauce.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Condensed soups that provide rich, creamy texture and deep flavor to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and subtle tanginess to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create moisture and enhances overall chicken flavor.

• Rice: Uncooked grain that absorbs liquid and becomes tender during baking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the casserole.
• Cheese (Optional): Provides a melty, golden topping for extra richness.
• Parsley (Optional): Fresh herb for garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal note.

Steps To Make Chicken And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Sour cream
• Dried thyme
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Add Rice to Sauce

Stir uncooked rice into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring all grains are well coated and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the rice and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula to create an even layer.

Step 5: Position Chicken

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Paprika

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 50-60 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and the chicken to cook completely. Chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Tips To Perfect Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Swap Soups for Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken and mushroom soups with homemade versions or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse rice before adding to prevent clumping and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy during baking.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a splash of white wine to elevate the casserole's overall taste profile.
• Customize Protein Options: Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein for a versatile meal that accommodates different dietary preferences.
• Crispy Cheese Topping Trick: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan for a golden, crispy cheese layer that adds extra richness and texture to the casserole.

How To Store Chicken And Rice Casserole Right

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Enjoy delicious leftovers for up to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Seal tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient meal prep, keeping them fresh for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Always check the casserole's temperature reaches 165F when reheating to guarantee food safety and maintain the best taste and texture.

Best Pairings With Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy casserole with a light chardonnay or pinot grigio, cutting through the rich flavors and complementing the chicken's subtle taste.
• Serve with Bright Green Salad: Create a fresh contrast by adding a zesty mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, balancing the casserole's hearty texture.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Elevate the meal with oven-roasted asparagus or broccoli, bringing a seasonal crunch and nutritional boost to the comforting main dish.
• Finish with Buttery Dinner Roll: Accompany the casserole with warm, soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the satisfying meal.

Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this classic Chicken and Rice Casserole, melding tender poultry with creamy rice in a soul-warming dish. Home cooks can savor this simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Base:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Rice and Soup Mixture:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
• 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and selected seasonings until smooth and well-combined.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution and allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful sauce.
4. Transfer the rice and sauce blend into the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading the mixture to form an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
5. Gently position raw chicken breasts or thighs atop the rice mixture, creating a uniform arrangement that allows each piece to cook evenly.
6. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling additional salt, pepper, and paprika over the chicken pieces for extra seasoning.
7. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and promote even cooking during the baking process.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until rice reaches a tender consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature of 165F).
9. Remove the foil covering and optionally sprinkle cheese over the surface for a golden, melted topping.
10. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow cheese to melt and develop a light golden color.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness before serving to enhance the visual appeal.

Notes

• Use low-sodium soups to control salt content and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium intake.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a whole grain boost, though cooking time might slightly increase.
• For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free cream soups and verify all seasonings are gluten-free.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to customize flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg