Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, all-in-one dinner that’s hearty, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer to your mealtime dreams. This comforting classic brings together tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and melty cheese, all nestled in a velvety, savory sauce that tastes like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, this is one dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just delicious—it’s pure happiness in a baking dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, familiar ingredients are the secret behind the irresistible taste and creamy texture of this casserole. Each one serves a special role, making the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole so much more than the sum of its parts!
- Chicken: Use cooked shredded or diced chicken for tenderness and flavor, and feel free to grab a rotisserie chicken to keep things quick and easy.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it bakes, so every bite is perfectly seasoned and fluffy.
- Cream of chicken soup: This creamy staple binds everything together and delivers that nostalgic comfort-food vibe.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds depth and an earthy, savory note that makes the casserole richer and more satisfying.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides just the right amount of moisture for the rice to cook up tender without making the dish salty.
- Sour cream: Lends a subtle tang and luxurious creaminess for that irresistible texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets throughout the casserole, with an extra layer on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
- Garlic powder: Brings out a gentle garlicky aroma that makes the whole dish smell fantastic.
- Onion powder: Balances the flavors and gives depth without having to chop fresh onions.
- Paprika: Offers a hint of warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every other ingredient—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: A touch of spice perks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan): Keeps the casserole from sticking, so every last scoop comes out just right.
- Chopped parsley (optional garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herby brightness at serving time.
How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A quick swipe of olive oil over your 9×13-inch baking dish keeps cleanup easy and guarantees your casserole won’t stick. This is one of those little steps that honestly makes everything better!
Step 2: Mix the Saucy Base
In a big mixing bowl, add the uncooked rice, both cans of soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a thorough stir. The goal is to make sure the rice is well coated and there are no streaks of sauce or dry patches hiding at the bottom.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the casserole starts to really look inviting—the cheese will start melting as you mix, creating an ultra-creamy base that hugs every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top so it bakes evenly. Now, cover tightly with foil. Baking it sealed helps the rice steam to fluffy perfection as it soaks up every bit of flavor. Pop it into the oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Brown
Remove the foil and sprinkle the rest of your cheddar cheese across the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for another 5 to 10 minutes. Watch for those lovely golden, bubbly patches—that’s the signal your Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is ready!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Patience pays off—let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This quick pause helps everything set for easy serving. Finish off with a shower of chopped parsley if you like, and get ready for the magic.
How to Serve Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A vibrant sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving lifts all those rich, creamy flavors and gives the casserole a fresh touch. If you love a little crunch, try topping each serving with crispy fried onions or even thinly sliced green onions, adding both color and a gentle bite.
Side Dishes
The Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but it truly shines next to a simple green salad with zesty vinaigrette, lightly steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Crisp bread or warm rolls are perfect for swiping every bit of that creamy sauce from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, set the casserole right in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves. For a fancier look, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking, or garnish each plate with a dollop of sour cream and a pretty parsley sprig. Leftovers transform beautifully into lunchbox-friendly portions the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a meal prep dream—simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers, then store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get cozier as they meld overnight, making your next-day lunch something to look forward to.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a champ! Let it cool completely, then package individual portions or the whole dish in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to label with the date and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm up individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or reheat larger amounts in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil to prevent drying) for about 20 minutes. If the mixture seems a bit thick after storing, a splash of chicken broth will bring back its lovely creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but it requires a longer baking time and a little extra broth—plan on at least 15–20 more minutes, checking for tenderness. Keep an eye on moisture so the casserole doesn’t dry out.
Can I prepare the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if popping it straight from the fridge into the oven.
What’s the best way to add vegetables for more nutrition?
Mix in frozen peas, steamed broccoli florets, or diced carrots before baking. They’ll cook perfectly in the casserole and add color, flavor, and extra nutrients to every serving.
Do I have to use both soups?
For the true creamy magic of the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole, both soups work together to create the signature sauce. If needed, you can swap one for more of the other, but the mix of flavors is part of what makes this dish so special.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Shredded or diced turkey is a fantastic substitute and makes this recipe a winner for holiday leftovers or anytime you have extra turkey on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are easy, wholesome, and guaranteed to delight everyone at the table, you simply have to try the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s pure comfort in every bite and sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!
Print
Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy sauce come together to create a satisfying dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rice, soups, broth, sour cream, spices, and half of the cheese. Add chicken and mix well.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Pour mixture into the prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake for 55–60 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Uncover, top with remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra veggies, add frozen peas, broccoli, or carrots to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
