By This straightforward chicken and rice casserole is a dinner that can significantly simplify your weeknight meal planning. The dish is super creamy, satisfying, and the best part is, you can prepare it all in one pot with very few ingredients chicken, rice, broth, and cream of chicken soup.
It’s a comfort food dinner that ticks all the boxes a piece of tender chicken, soft and fluffy rice, and a lovely creamy texture all this without having to use extra pots, doing a complicated preparation, or doing lengthy cooking steps.
That’s what makes it so down-to-earth.
On top of being just right for crazy weeknights, it’s also easy enough for those who are just starting out, and delicious enough to become a regular meal.
Besides this, if you are a fan of straightforward baked dinners, my easy baked chicken breast recipe is your next family-favorite simple meal to try!
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Reasons You Should Make This Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole here is very straightforward, luscious, and geared towards everyday life. It feels like one of those recipes that provide comfort to your body but you don’t have to batter yourself with the making process.
That is definitely a positive.
Quick and handy
Cooking without head scratching.
Not additional trays.
One set-up is enough for everything.
Neat, fast, and productive.
Comfort food at its creamiest
The rice absorbs the broth and cream mixture and that is what imparts it with the delectable taste and velvety texture.
This is the reason why this dish is so fulfilling.
Kid-friendly and all-around
Chicken and rice is a pretty straightforward dish.
Easy to eat flavors.
Soothing in a way that you can’t resist.
Best for kids and grownups alike.
Excellent for leftover
Starting something new for next-day lunches or easy meal preps.
It can be used for reheating really well. Actually, according to my experience, it tastes even better the next day.
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What Is Chicken and Rice Casserole?
Chicken and rice casserole is a one-pot meal that combines rice, chicken, broth, and creamy soup. The mixture is baked in the oven and everything is cooked together to make a hearty, healing dinner.
The main reasons it stays a family hit for generations are that it is cost-effective, pretty straightforward, and very adjustable.
There are some recipes which:
– add flesh and bloods – other add components – even, some go for the least complicated route
This recipe only uses the basic creamy, fewest component ingredients. That is what makes it a winning dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Chicken and Rice Casserole
Only basic components were used in this recipe, but nevertheless each one is important.
Rice, liquid, and chicken are the prime components behind the picture of the last texture.
Here is the gist.
Chicken
Cooked, shredded chicken is the best option.
Rotisserie chicken is indeed the most straightforward choice.
Leftover baked chicken is also a perfectly acceptable solution for this dish.
Using cooked chicken makes the dish easy and reduces the risk of overcooking.
The most suitable option if you wish for a leaner dish is the chicken breast.
The chicken thighs can do the job if you are a lover of flavors.
Rice
Long grain white rice is the best choice here.
Please use uncooked rice.
It bakes slowly and is able to absorb the mixture of creamy broth.
You are not allowed to use instant rice.
It cooks too rapidly, and it will change the final texture.
You can include brown rice in your dish, but it requires more broth and more time in the oven to be charmed.
Cream of chicken soup
This forms the creamy layer.
It also thickens during baking and / or helps rice coating.
Campbell’s is an excellent choice.
Cream of mushroom is an acceptable alternative.
Most of the time I turn to cream of chicken for that traditional taste.
Chicken broth
The broth provides the liquid for cooking the rice and gives it flavor.
Broth with reduced salt is preferable here.
It allows you to season very precisely.
Water is an option, but broth tastes so much better.
Milk
The milk is what makes the dish creamy.
Full-fat milk leads to the most excellent letter.
2% also works.
It will gently melt the salted egg base and keep the casserole velvety.
Seasonings
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
Keep it very simple. Just enough to bring out the taste.
Cheese (optional)
My top pick here is cheddar.
It not only melts nicely but also gives that deliciously rich, comforting flavor.
Other good choices are mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
There is no need to add cheese if you don’t want to.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Here’s a simple chicken and rice casserole that is creamy, nourishing, and baked all in one dish to make your meal preparation easier while satisfying your craving for comfort food dinner.
Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Keyword: Chicken and Rice Casserole, Easy Chicken Dinner, Creamy Chicken Bake Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 6 Calories: 460 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Set the oven temperature to 350°F.
Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly oiling it.
Using a glass baking dish like Pyrex is highly recommended for it distributes the heat perfectly.
Make the casserole mixture
In a large bowl, add:
- cream of chicken soup
- chicken broth
- milk
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- salt
- pepper
Mix with a whisk until the mixture is uniform. This makes the blend completely homogeneous.
Add rice and chicken
Next, add:
- uncooked rice
- shredded chicken
Mix thoroughly. Make sure to spread the rice evenly. This will ensure proper cooking.
Transfer and cover
Place the mixture in the baking dish that you have ready.
Spread it around so that it is level.
Seal the dish well with foil.
By doing so, you are creating a steam chamber.
It is the steam that will gently cook the rice.
This is a crucial step.
Bake
The ideal baking time is 50-60 minutes.
You should make the first check point at 50 minutes.
After such time, the rice should be soft.
Almost all of the liquid should have been absorbed by the rice.
If you find the rice is still quite firm, pour a bit of broth and continue baking for 10 minutes.
Add cheese
For cheesers, the right time to sprinkle cheese is here.
Another 5 minutes baking uncovered after the cheese is sprinkled.
The cheese should be barely melted.
Rest and serve
After baking, leave the casserole alone for 10 minutes.
This way it will be easier to cut.
Even better, this step is worth the wait.
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Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
Throwing in a little effort with these extremely simple tips will turn your dish into a masterpiece.
These tips simple and effective.
Use long grain rice
Go for long grain rice as it has the ideal texture.
It is fluffy and soft after cooking.
Keep away from instant rice.
Cover tightly
Cover the dish tightly with foil so that the moisture gets locked in.
The locked moisture is good for the rice to get properly cooked.
If the foil is loosely covered, the rice can turn hard.
This, in my opinion, has had the greatest impact on the outcome of the dish.
Don’t overbake
When rice has become soft and tender, the dish is ready.
If you keep baking, chicken will get dry.
You should, therefore, set a reminder to check it early.
Let it rest
Allow the dish to rest so the casserole will get firm.
Also, when serving, it will be easier and cleaner.
The texture will also be better.
Taste before serving
Sometimes you will smell the need of a dash of salt.
Perhaps a bit of pepper.
Minor effort.
Huge impact.
Storage & Reheating
Chicken and rice casserole can be stored properly and eaten the next day without compromising the taste.
This is why it becomes very convenient for a quick healthy meal option.
Refrigerate
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than 4 days.
Before you put it away, it is best to let it cool.
This will keep the moisture buildup in the container under control.
Freeze
Freezing is possible for 2 months.
The containers you use should be safe for freezer.
The best way to freeze is in smaller portions.
This is because they each reheat faster.
Reheat in the oven (best method)
Put the casserole in a baking dish.
Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of broth or milk.
Cover with foil but don’t seal it too tightly.
Heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
In this way, you will prevent the casserole from drying out.
Besides being more delicious, this method also allows reheating larger portions better.
Reheat in the microwave (quick option)
Put the casserole in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a bit of broth or milk to it.
Cover the bowl but not tightly.
Heat up in 30-second bursts.
Make sure to stir between each heating round.
This is the trick to keeping the rice soft.
Reheat tip
If after reheating the casserole is quite dry, a small amount of warm broth should be stirred in.
Works like magic to restore the creaminess.
Very handy little trick.
What to Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and rice casserole is quite a heavy dish, so fresh and light side dishes make perfect companions.
Some great suggestions:
Green salad
Crisp and clean. This will help counter the richness of your casserole.
Roasted broccoli
A little vegetable that is always welcome. Comes as a great match to the main dish.
Green beans
Quite a basic vegetable. Makes a nice contrast with the texture.
Roasted carrots
The tiny bit of sugar lands the job well with the creamy chicken.
Excellent as a side.
Garlic bread
Perfect for those comfort-food kind of nights.
Adds a nice deemed finish to the meal.
Finding meal ideas on a weekly basis is easier when you have a recipe like this that you can combine with other healthy baked chicken dishes or protein high meals.
Therefore, meal planning is made much simpler.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
In case your reaction to this chicken and rice casserole is positive, you may want to try these other simple chicken meals for busy nights:
- Baked chicken breasts made easy
- Smooth and creamy garlic parmesan chicken done in a slow cooker
- Baked chicken tacos in the oven
- Chicken with salsa verde
- Quick and easy Italian chicken
These form a solid foundation along the lines of simple weekly dinner plans.
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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you.
Did you make this Chicken and Rice Casserole?
If so, please comment and rate below.
Did you use any veggies?
Did you use cheese?
Did you go for some different type of protein?
I would be very pleased to hear what you did differently.