If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, rich soups, and melty cheddar cheese into one unforgettable dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to make any day feel celebratory. Each bite brings together layers of flavor and cozy texture, making this casserole a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture. From the fluffy long grain rice that acts as the hearty base, to the savory cream soups that add depth, every component contributes to a perfect harmony on your plate.
- 1½ cups long grain white rice: The fluffy backbone of the casserole that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup: These create a creamy, luscious sauce that keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup water: Balances the liquid for perfectly cooked rice without sogginess.
- 2 cups milk: Adds richness and a velvety smooth base to the casserole.
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix: A simple but powerful seasoning to infuse savory onion flavor throughout.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp and melty, this cheese adds a golden, gooey topping and pockets of flavor inside.
- 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that bakes right into the rice mixture for juicy bites.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection and enhancing all other flavors.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for your casserole to cook evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring every serving comes out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the long grain rice with your choice of cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir everything thoroughly so the rice is coated evenly and the seasoning is well distributed—this mixture is the soul of our casserole.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your creamy rice mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This even layer helps the rice cook uniformly, giving you consistent texture in each bite.
Step 4: Season and Add the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to boost their natural flavor. Arrange them neatly on top of the rice mixture, ready to bake and infuse the dish with their juicy goodness.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Baking covered for 45 minutes allows the rice to absorb the liquid gradually while the chicken steams gently, staying tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. The cheese will melt and start to build a golden, inviting crust on top.
Step 7: Finish Baking
Continue baking uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender. This final step melts the cheese into a bubbly blanket of flavor and ensures everything is perfectly cooked.
Step 8: Final Touch of Cheese
Once you take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. The residual heat will gently melt it, adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this rich casserole, I love adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or sliced green onions. They add a pop of color and a mild freshness that perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The freshness and crunch of the sides complement the creamy texture and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and top each with a sprig of fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. This makes it feel extra special when serving guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains its creamy texture well, making it an easy lunch or quick dinner on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to adjust the liquid and baking time to ensure the rice becomes tender without drying out the chicken. Using quick-cooking brown rice is a good compromise.
Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?
While cream of chicken soup adds great flavor and creaminess, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or even make your own homemade version for a fresher taste. Either way, it will keep the casserole rich and comforting.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, and it’s a great time saver for busy evenings.
What cut of chicken works best?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a bit more flavor, but either will bake tender in this casserole.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free cream soup options and verify that your onion soup mix does not contain gluten. Using gluten-free ingredients keeps this comforting dish safe for those with sensitivities without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings warmth and happiness with little effort. It’s versatile, straightforward, and packed with flavors that feel like home. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as you do eating it, and that it becomes a treasured recipe in your kitchen, ready to brighten up any day.
