Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Embrace the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy chicken and rice casserole recipe! It is the perfect solution for a hearty, satisfying dinner without all the fuss. This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Get ready to discover your new go-to family meal that’s simple to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole

This delightful chicken and rice casserole recipe is designed for busy home cooks and beginners alike. It consistently delivers a fantastic meal with minimal effort.

• Simple Pantry Ingredients: You likely have most of these items on hand already.
• Minimal Active Prep Time: Spend less time chopping and more time relaxing.
• Hearty and Satisfying: A truly comforting dish that fills everyone up.
• Guaranteed Family-Friendly Meal: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
• Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one dish for hassle-free tidying.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adjust flavors to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious chicken and rice casserole recipes:

• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 batch homemade onion soup mix, or one envelope Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 3 thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this casserole to fit your family’s tastes and what you have on hand.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Chicken thighs also work wonderfully, adding extra juiciness.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is recommended for its texture. Avoid instant or minute rice, as it will become mushy.
• Cream of Soup: Use canned cream of chicken or mushroom soup for convenience. For a homemade alternative, mix 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup broth, and ½ cup milk.
• Cheese: Sharp shredded cheddar provides excellent flavor. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are also great melty options.
• Liquid: The recipe uses milk and water. You can substitute chicken broth for all or part of the water and milk for a richer flavor.
• Seasoning: Homemade onion soup mix offers a fresh taste. A store-bought packet like Lipton onion soup mix is a quick shortcut.
• Optional Add-ins: Enhance flavor with a clove of minced garlic, a pinch of dried thyme, or a handful of frozen peas or carrots stirred into the rice mixture.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe.

• 9×13 inch casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or large spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for food safety)

Instructions

Creating this comforting chicken and rice casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect, hearty meal.

Prep Steps

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray; set it aside. In a large bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, both cans of cream of soup, 1 cup water, 2 cups milk, and your onion soup seasoning. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Season your 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Assembly

Pour the entire rice mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. This creates the creamy base for your casserole. Next, nestle the seasoned chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture. Ensure they are somewhat submerged to cook properly. Sprinkle half of the 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice. Finally, cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure the seal is secure to trap steam, which helps the rice cook.

Baking & Finishing

Bake the covered casserole for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking times vary, so check your specific oven. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.

Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

Achieve perfect results every time with these simple tips for your chicken and rice casserole recipes.

• Proper Rice Type: Always use long-grain white rice. Other varieties like instant or brown rice require different cooking times and liquid amounts, leading to an unevenly cooked casserole.
• Tight Foil Seal: Ensure the casserole dish is covered very tightly with aluminum foil during the initial bake. This traps steam, which is crucial for cooking the rice thoroughly and evenly.
• Do Not Lift Foil: Resist the urge to peek by lifting the foil during the main baking period. This releases trapped steam, slowing down the cooking process for the rice.
• Rest Casserole: Resting the casserole for 15-20 minutes after baking allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and helps the dish set, leading to a creamier texture.

Understanding the science behind resting, as explained by culinary experts, can greatly improve the texture of your baked dishes.

• Smaller Chicken Pieces: For faster and more even cooking, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the casserole.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice mixture before adding the chicken and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices to your personal preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Instant Rice: Instant rice cooks too quickly and will turn mushy in this recipe.
• Not Covering the Dish Properly: A loose foil cover lets steam escape, resulting in undercooked or crunchy rice.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Baking too long, especially for thin chicken breasts, can lead to dry, tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to prevent this.
• Insufficient Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken and ensure the rice mixture has enough flavor for a truly delicious result.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your chicken and rice casserole recipe with these ideas.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides.

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette for balance.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch.
• Warm garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Storage & Freezing

Plan ahead with these storage tips for your delicious chicken and rice casserole.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover baked casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze Unbaked: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Freeze Baked: Portion the cooked casserole into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen or thawed in the microwave or oven.

Flavor Variations

Get creative and customize your chicken and rice casserole recipes.

• Add Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots into the rice mixture before baking.
• Spicy Kick: Include a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with other melty cheeses like Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like a tablespoon of chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the rice mixture for an aromatic twist.
• Instant Pot Adaptation: While designed for the oven, this recipe can be adapted for an Instant Pot. You will need to adjust liquid amounts and cook times; consult specific Instant Pot casserole instructions.

Nutrition Information

This chicken and rice casserole provides a balanced meal, though values vary.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes. These estimates are provided for general information only.

To make your casserole lighter or healthier, consider using low-fat cream of soup, reducing the amount of cheese, adding extra vegetables, or opting for brown rice (adjusting liquid and cook time accordingly).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about making this comforting chicken and rice casserole recipe.

• Can I use brown rice? Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using, consider chicken thighs which stand up better to longer cooking, and add an extra half cup of liquid.
• Why is my rice crunchy? Crunchy rice usually means not enough liquid, an oven temperature that’s too low, or a loose foil seal allowing steam to escape. Ensure your dish is tightly covered.
• Can I use already cooked chicken? Yes, you can! Reduce the initial baking time significantly, as the chicken only needs to heat through. Adding it halfway through the rice cooking helps prevent dry chicken.
• How can I make this casserole healthier? Use low-fat cream of soup, reduce cheese quantity, incorporate more vegetables, or substitute some milk with chicken broth.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? You must check the labels of your cream of soup and onion soup mix. Many brands contain gluten, but gluten-free alternatives are available.

Conclusion

This ultimate cheesy chicken and rice casserole recipe truly simplifies dinner time without sacrificing flavor or comfort. With its minimal prep, hearty ingredients, and easy one-pan cleanup, it is destined to become a staple in your meal rotation. We encourage you to try this incredibly delicious and beginner-friendly recipe soon. Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this comforting meal!