Homemade Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe – Family Favorite

Comfort comes alive in this cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy textures meld with savory ingredients for an instant classic.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like special occasions with such a hearty dish.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create irresistible moments of culinary joy.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Families gather around steaming plates, eagerly anticipating each delicious bite.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Highlights of Cheesy Chicken and Rice

• Whip Up Family Comfort: Packed with tender chicken and creamy rice, this casserole delivers pure home-style warmth that makes everyone smile around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Super flexible recipe lets you swap ingredients, add vegetables, or use different cheese types to match your family's taste preferences without complicated adjustments.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps mean you can have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in under an hour, perfect for busy households craving homemade goodness.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, grains, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free for home cooks seeking convenience.

Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the casserole.

• Cooked Rice, Cream of Chicken Soup: Rice provides a comforting base, while soup creates a creamy and rich sauce for the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds a delicious golden topping and rich flavor.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and savory background notes to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy and crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

How to Bake Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter.

Set your oven to warm up at 375°F (190°C) while you start preparing the casserole.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• Cooked rice
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together so each bite will have a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top for an extra gooey layer.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

Optional but recommended: Scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese to create a delightful crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Creamy Chicken and Rice

• Use full-fat milk and cream of chicken soup for a richer, more luxurious texture that coats every bite perfectly.
• Sauté fresh garlic and onions before mixing into the casserole to elevate the overall taste profile and add extra aromatic layers.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyère for a more complex and interesting cheese flavor.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Chicken Rice Bake: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free white sauce using cornstarch, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.
• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter protein-packed meal.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Casserole: Add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, mix in taco seasoning, top with jalapeños for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Casserole

• Family Feast Delight: Serve this casserole as a hearty main dish with a fresh green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Comfort Plate Companions: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add nutrition and color to the meal.
• Weekend Brunch Bonus: Slice cold leftovers and reheat for a quick breakfast option, topped with a fried egg for extra protein.
• Potluck Superstar: Pack in a portable dish for gatherings, as it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature or warm.

Storage Advice for Chicken Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, just ensure the chicken is fully thawed and cooked thoroughly before mixing into the casserole. Dice or shred the chicken and cook it completely to prevent any food safety issues.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Avoid minute rice or instant rice as they can become mushy. Ensure the rice is pre-cooked and cooled before mixing into the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, use low-fat milk, choose reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like broccoli or peas to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole grain rice for added fiber.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort from grandma’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Creamy layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and fluffy rice promise a satisfying meal that will warm souls and delight diners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk

Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy sauce base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well-integrated.
3. Fold the pre-cooked chicken and rice into the sauce mixture, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated with the seasoned cream sauce.
4. Gently incorporate one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and rice blend, stirring carefully to distribute the cheese throughout.
5. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer for consistent cooking.
6. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
7. Optional: Enhance the texture by sprinkling breadcrumbs across the cheese layer for a delightful crispy crust.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the top turns a rich, golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, preservative-free version that enhances flavor and reduces processed ingredients.
• Boost nutritional value by adding mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into the casserole mixture for extra color and nutrients.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber and create a more wholesome, gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Make this dish lighter by substituting half the cheese with low-fat options and using Greek yogurt instead of milk to reduce calories while keeping the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg