Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Comforting, creamy, and easy to make, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a family favorite that can be made ahead of time and even frozen for later. It’s the ultimate one-pan meal that makes dinnertime easy and delicious!
This casserole is a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze with no extra dishes required. It’s also perfect for meal prep or freezing, allowing you to prepare ahead and enjoy a stress-free meal later. With its rich, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, this dish brings warmth and comfort to every bite. Plus, it’s a family-friendly favorite—even picky eaters will love it!
How to Serve
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
🔄 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Prepare the casserole and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
✔ Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warm.
📌 Recipe Notes
- Rice Variations: You can use brown rice, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes as it takes longer to cook.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
🌟 Topping Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these different toppings:
- Crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery crunch
- French fried onions for extra crispiness
- Parmesan cheese for a nutty flavor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the meat and use as directed.
2. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Mix everything and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, then top with cheese before serving.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! You can mix in broccoli, carrots, peas, or spinach before baking.
4. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make a homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.
5. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and a dairy-free sour cream substitute.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie or leftover chicken works great
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier swap
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
For the Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients to allow the rice to absorb some liquid.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole
- To the bowl with rice, add:
- Shredded chicken
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper
- 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese (save the rest for topping)
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- If using breadcrumbs, mix panko with melted butter, then sprinkle on top of the casserole before baking for an extra 5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
📌 Recipe Notes
- Rice Variations: You can use brown rice, but increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes as it takes longer to cook.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
