Soul-Warming Hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable chicken and rice casserole that promises to warm your soul.

Packed with tender, juicy chicken nestled in creamy rice, this hearty recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this easy or delicious.

The casserole blends simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Layers of rich flavors and textures create a truly memorable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Home cooks and busy families will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

Let’s dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Right

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for added nutrition and vibrant color contrast on the plate.
• Weekend Dinner Winner: Top each serving with crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions for extra texture and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the classic casserole.
• Leftover: Store any remaining casserole in airtight containers and enjoy as a quick lunch the next day, reheating gently to maintain its creamy consistency.

Storage Guide for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum taste and texture when reheated.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and bring back the original delicious texture.
• Divide casserole into meal-sized portions before storing. This approach allows quick defrosting, reduces waste, and provides convenient grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1/2 cup more chicken broth and increase baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the brown rice cooks properly.

• Is it okay to use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before adding to the casserole. Frozen chicken can release excess moisture and prevent the rice from cooking evenly. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat cream soups, and skinless chicken breasts. You can also add more vegetables like diced carrots or peas to increase nutritional value.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients That Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Shine

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides hearty foundation with fluffy texture, choose high-quality rice for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rich flavor and ensures perfectly moist rice, select low-sodium for better control of saltiness.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce that binds ingredients, opt for reduced-sodium versions for healthier option.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend sauce ingredients, whole milk provides deeper creaminess.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers deep, rounded flavor without chunky texture, choose fresh, fragrant spices.
• Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Builds complex flavor profile, select high-quality herbs for maximum taste impact.

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Delivers tender, juicy protein, choose bone-in or boneless based on preference.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides golden, melty topping with sharp flavor, select sharp cheddar for more intense taste.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herb note, chop finely for even distribution.

Must-Have Tools to Build Chicken and Rice Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining rice, soups, and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Aluminum foil: Helps trap steam and ensures even cooking.
• Optional cheese grater: Useful if you want freshly grated cheese topping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping parsley as a final garnish.

Cooking Chicken and Rice Casserole from Start to Finish

• Warm Up The Kitchen

Crank your oven to 350°F and lightly oil a 9×13 baking dish for maximum deliciousness.

• Create Flavor

Whisk together rice, broths, milk, and spices in a big bowl until everything looks creamy and inviting.

• Layer Your Comfort Feast

Gently place chicken pieces over the rice mixture, sprinkling extra seasoning for a flavor explosion.

• Seal In The Goodness

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and steam those flavors to perfection.

• Bake Until Dreamy

Pop the casserole in the oven for 50-60 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe 165°F and rice becomes wonderfully tender.

• Optional Cheesy Finale

If desired, uncover during the last 10 minutes and sprinkle cheese on top until it melts into golden, bubbling deliciousness.

• Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to settle for 5 minutes, then dish out this comforting meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Little-Known Tips for Better Chicken and Rice Casserole Results

• Use long-grain white rice for best texture and avoid mushy results by not stirring the rice during baking.
• Replace regular chicken broth and canned soups with low-sodium alternatives to reduce overall salt content without compromising flavor.
• Easily substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or plant-based protein like tofu for diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli during the rice layer to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture to the casserole.
• Select gluten-free cream soups and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Hearty Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice casserole delights families with its comforting blend of tender meat and creamy grains. Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction in each satisfying bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 295 g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Create Creamy Base: Whisk together rice, chicken broth, cream soups, milk, and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper) until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Layer and Season: Spread the rice mixture evenly in the prepared dish, then nestle chicken pieces on top, seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and paprika for depth of flavor.
4. Bake and Protect: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and cook in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice becomes perfectly tender.
5. Cheese and Finish: For a decadent touch, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes and sprinkle shredded cheddar on top, creating a golden, bubbling crust.
6. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Cover the casserole with foil to prevent chicken from drying out and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Rice Texture Control: Use long-grain white rice for optimal absorption and fluffy consistency, avoiding sticky or mushy results.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust spice levels by tasting the liquid mixture before adding chicken, ensuring a perfectly seasoned final dish.
• Cheese Customization: Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor variations and dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg