If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and downright delicious, you absolutely have to try this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish is a total game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. With tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, fluffy rice, and cheesy goodness all baked into one satisfying casserole, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together using everyday ingredients that meld into a flavor-packed meal that everyone will rave about. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From creamy soup for richness to vibrant mixed veggies for color and nutrition, every component plays a key role in making this casserole irresistibly tasty and comforting.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy base that binds everything together with luscious flavor.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory depth to keep the rice tender and flavorful.
- Uncooked Minute Rice: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce for perfect texture.
- Cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended): Convenient and tender, it makes this recipe so easy and satisfying.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Brightens the dish with color, nutrients, and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Introduces warm, aromatic undertones that elevate every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle savory notes and layers of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that complements the chicken and brings a touch of freshness.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right touch of spice to balance the creamy flavors.
- Chopped scallions: Adds a mild onion punch and a pop of green color for freshness.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection to top the casserole with delicious richness.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning the oven rack in the middle. This ensures even cooking for your casserole, setting the stage for that perfectly creamy and tender finish we’re aiming for.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth. Stir them thoroughly until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture. This rich blend will soak into the rice and chicken, making every bite flavorful and comforting.
Step 3: Grease Your Casserole Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish using cooking spray or a little butter. This step is essential so your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out of the dish cleanly when it’s ready to serve.
Step 4: Add the Main Ingredients
Now, layer everything into the casserole dish: the uncooked Minute Rice, shredded or chopped chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, freshly ground black pepper to taste, chopped scallions, and one cup of the grated cheddar cheese. This hearty mix creates a balance of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Combine and Even Out
Pour the soup and broth mixture evenly over the ingredients in the casserole dish. Toss everything gently to ensure each grain of rice and piece of chicken is coated beautifully in the creamy sauce. Smooth it all into an even layer to guarantee uniform cooking in the oven.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil or use its lid if it has one. This cover is crucial because it traps steam and moisture to cook the rice perfectly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld and the rice to puff up tenderly.
Step 7: Add the Cheesy Finish
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and peel back the foil. Sprinkle the remaining two cups of grated cheddar evenly on top. Pop the dish back into the hot oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted to golden, bubbly perfection and the rice is creamy and soft.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and add bursts of fresh flavor, garnish your casserole with extra chopped scallions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A few thin slices of ripe avocado on top can add a creamy, luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive family dinner, serve the casserole in beautiful individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. If taking to a potluck, a colorful serving tray with garnishes on the side invites everyone to customize their portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness. The flavors continue to settle, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save portions for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Freeze it before baking for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole (or individual portions) with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave for convenience, but be sure to stir halfway to ensure even warmth and preserve that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and green beans work wonderfully in this casserole. Just be sure to steam or lightly cook them beforehand so they become tender during baking.
Is it okay to use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
Minute Rice is recommended because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors perfectly. If using regular rice, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time significantly and may want to partially cook the rice beforehand to avoid an undercooked texture.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free, and use a gluten-free cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What type of cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and melting qualities, but you can substitute mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of Monterey Jack and Parmesan for extra creaminess and complexity.
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken in this recipe since the baking time is tailored for fully cooked ingredients. If using raw chicken, you’ll need to increase baking time and ensure the chicken cooks through completely to keep the dish safe and moist.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for its incredible comfort factor and simple preparation. It’s a wonderful crowd-pleaser with a cozy, home-cooked vibe that’s perfect for any night of the week. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite as much as I do!
Print
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender cooked chicken, creamy condensed soup, flavorful seasonings, and frozen veggies baked with rice until soft and cheesy. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple yet satisfying recipe the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Soup and Broth
- 3 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked Minute Rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, shredded or chopped)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 3 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Combine Soup and Broth: In a bowl, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth until completely combined to create a creamy sauce base.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Ingredients: Into the casserole dish, add the uncooked rice, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, chopped scallions, and one cup of grated cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Soup Mixture: Pour the combined soup and broth over the rice mixture. Toss carefully until all ingredients are evenly coated and then spread into an even layer in the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid to trap steam, which helps the rice cook properly. Bake for 45 minutes at 375°F.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the rice is soft and creamy.
Notes
- Use Minute Rice or another quick-cooking rice to ensure proper cooking time in the casserole.
- Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time, but you can use any cooked chicken.
- Covering tightly while baking is crucial to trap moisture, allowing the rice to cook fully and become creamy.
- Add additional veggies or seasonings to customize this casserole to your taste preferences.
