Creamy Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe For Dinner Joy

Whipping up a hearty cheesy chicken and rice casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice.

Families adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal prep work.

Layers of rich, melted cheese blanket succulent chicken pieces nestled among perfectly cooked grains.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Each forkful promises a delicious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when you crave something satisfying and soul-warming.

Why Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Works

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This casserole transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that saves precious cooking time and minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with turkey, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to match family preferences and pantry contents.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and mild seasonings make this dish a crowd-pleaser that children and adults will devour without hesitation.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy families or those planning ahead for the week.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that provides the main flavor and substance of the casserole.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that creates the hearty foundation of the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Smooth ingredients that help blend flavors and create a rich, creamy texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds a delicious golden topping and extra flavor to the casserole.

• Frozen Peas, Frozen Carrots: Colorful vegetables that provide additional nutrition and texture to the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.

How to Bake Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Tender cooked chicken
• Fluffy rice
• Creamy chicken soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Gooey cheddar cheese
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Aromatic onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks irresistibly combined.

Step 3: Boost The Veggie Power

Sprinkle in frozen peas and carrots for an extra nutritional punch and colorful twist.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Canvas

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Transfer The Mixture

Pour the creamy chicken and rice blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Crown With Cheese

Shower the top with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to calm down for 5 minutes before diving into this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips for Moist Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade version for less processed ingredients and control over sodium levels.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
• Add breadcrumbs on top for a crispy golden crust that provides delightful texture contrast to the creamy base.
• Include diced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional nutrition and interesting flavor variations.
• Choose low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of this comforting dish.

Flavor Twists on Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, chicken broth, and milk.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add more vegetables.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk or almond milk to create a lactose-free version of the casserole.

Suggested Sides for Chicken Rice Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal for busy weeknight dinners, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for an easy, delicious lunch that reheats beautifully in the microwave at work or school.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, where its cheesy goodness and simple ingredients will make you the star of the potluck.
• Vegetable Boost Option: Customize by adding extra frozen vegetables like broccoli or mixed vegetables to increase nutrition and add more color to the dish.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein swap.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planning meals in advance.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase nutritional value.

• Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Home cooks can easily prepare this hearty one-dish meal with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend the cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, most of the cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel until thoroughly combined.
2. Gently incorporate frozen peas and carrots into the creamy mixture for enhanced nutritional value and vibrant color.
3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and carefully pour the combined ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface to create a golden, melted topping.
5. Position the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble and the cheese melts completely.
6. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to settle for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and helping the dish maintain its structure when served.

Notes

• Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to create a lower-carb alternative for health-conscious eaters.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for an extra crunchy texture layer that elevates the casserole’s overall mouthfeel.
• Swap regular milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk to make the dish dairy-free and accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg