There’s something magical about a classic casserole, especially when it’s bubbling with melted cheese, tender chicken, and rice that’s soaked up all the savory flavors. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole has all the makings of comfort food perfection. For many of us, casseroles bring a sense of nostalgia, recalling cozy family dinners where seconds (and sometimes thirds!) were always on the table. This particular recipe shines because it’s incredibly easy to make, hearty enough to satisfy, and perfect for weeknights when everyone’s craving something warm and filling. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish, which is great for meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Convenient: Everything comes together in one dish, saving you time and keeping cleanup minimal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s loaded with familiar flavors, so even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or switch up the cheese to make it your own.
- Comfort Food Classic: It has that cozy, satisfying quality that we all love in a casserole.
Related Recipes
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (for that creamy, comforting base)
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for rich, cheesy goodness)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts beautifully on top)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for a hint of savoriness)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for a touch of warmth and color)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. - Cook the Chicken
Pat the cubed chicken pieces dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides—about 5 minutes. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken fully but to give it a nice sear that adds flavor. Once browned, set the chicken aside. - Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the creamy, savory base that will cook and infuse the rice as it bakes. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry if some pieces sink into the mixture; they’ll cook perfectly alongside the rice. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep in the steam, which will help the rice cook thoroughly. - Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. This baking time allows the rice to absorb the broth and flavors, while the chicken cooks to tender perfection. - Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and check that the rice is tender. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, then return it to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: You can mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli into the rice mixture before baking. These veggies will cook along with the rice, adding a bit of color, texture, and extra nutrition to the dish.
- Substitute with Brown Rice: If you’re looking for a whole grain option, use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you may need to extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
- Switch Up the Cheese: If you want a different flavor profile, try using a blend of cheeses. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a touch of Parmesan can add a unique twist to the casserole’s cheesy top.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten-Free (check ingredients on the soup to ensure it is gluten-free)
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you prefer, individual portions can also be microwaved for a quicker option. The leftovers stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole by covering it tightly with foil and storing it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of recipe that makes dinner easy and enjoyable. With layers of creamy rice, tender chicken, and golden, bubbly cheese, it’s bound to be a new family favorite. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or just when you’re in the mood for something warm and filling, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds. So, give it a try and enjoy the cozy comfort of a homemade casserole—simple, delicious, and made to share!
PrintCheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Description
There’s something magical about a classic casserole, especially when it’s bubbling with melted cheese, tender chicken, and rice that’s soaked up all the savory flavors. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole has all the makings of comfort food perfection. For many of us, casseroles bring a sense of nostalgia, recalling cozy family dinners where seconds (and sometimes thirds!) were always on the table. This particular recipe shines because it’s incredibly easy to make, hearty enough to satisfy, and perfect for weeknights when everyone’s craving something warm and filling. Plus, it’s an ideal make-ahead dish, which is great for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (for that creamy, comforting base)
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for rich, cheesy goodness)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts beautifully on top)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for a hint of savoriness)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (adds depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for a touch of warmth and color)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. - Cook the Chicken
Pat the cubed chicken pieces dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides—about 5 minutes. The goal here isn’t to cook the chicken fully but to give it a nice sear that adds flavor. Once browned, set the chicken aside. - Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, uncooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure everything is well combined to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the creamy, savory base that will cook and infuse the rice as it bakes. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces over the top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry if some pieces sink into the mixture; they’ll cook perfectly alongside the rice. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep in the steam, which will help the rice cook thoroughly. - Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. This baking time allows the rice to absorb the broth and flavors, while the chicken cooks to tender perfection. - Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and check that the rice is tender. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole, then return it to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is beautifully melted, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!