If you’re hunting for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth and flavor to the table, this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice, this casserole is an absolute classic that delivers satisfying textures and rich taste with every bite. It’s so simple to make, yet bursting with flavors that feel like a cozy hug from home. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe always shines and never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, and each one plays a key role. They come together to create a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and gently spiced notes, with textures ranging from tender chicken to fluffy rice and melted cheese topping.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook fresh for juicy protein.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: This rice cooks tender and soaks up all the sauce goodness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and creamy texture to the casserole.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Reinforces the chicken flavor and deepens the creaminess.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and infuses the rice with savory depth.
- 1/2 cup milk: Balances richness and keeps everything tender.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warmth and subtle pungency without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a gentle smoky note and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For a hint of sharpness to balance flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a golden, gooey topping.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and pretty color contrast.
How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This simple prep ensures your casserole cooks evenly and comes out cleanly, ready for serving.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This mixture is the heart of the casserole, bringing together creamy textures and layers of savory flavors that will infuse the rice and chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Rice and Chicken
Stir in the uncooked rice and shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated and well mixed. The uncooked rice will absorb all those wonderful liquids as it bakes, swelling into tender, fluffy perfection while marrying with the chicken.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam inside. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has soaked up all the creamy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish
After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish back into the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that adds a rich, savory crust to your casserole.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh herbal brightness. Now your Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is ready to be enjoyed, warm and comforting straight from the oven.
How to Serve Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions makes a lovely final flourish, adding both color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the creaminess. For an extra touch, a light dusting of smoked paprika over the top adds subtle warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Roasted carrots, sautéed green beans, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad offer vibrant contrasts that brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. It’s also fantastic scooped onto plates with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply cover leftover casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days, making it an easy grab-and-reheat option for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion leftovers into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, usually 20-25 minutes. For quick meals, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and longer cooking time, so if you want to use it, pre-cook the rice partially or adjust baking time accordingly to ensure it fully softens without drying the casserole.
Is it okay to substitute the cream soups with homemade sauces?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade touch, creamy mushroom and chicken sauces made from scratch work beautifully and allow you to control ingredients and seasoning more precisely.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms for added color and nutrients. Just be mindful that some vegetables release extra moisture, which may affect cooking time.
What type of cheese works best on top?
Cheddar cheese melts well and offers a classic flavor, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend with Parmesan for different textures and tastes.
Can this casserole be made in a slow cooker?
It can! Combine all ingredients except the cheese in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the rice is tender. Add cheese during the last 15 minutes and cover to melt.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly one of those comforting dishes you’ll want to come back to time and again. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken paired with perfectly cooked rice creates a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite—it’s that kind of recipe everyone deserves in their weekly rotation.
Print
Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty chicken and rice casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. This easy one-dish meal combines savory flavors with tender rice for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded or diced cooked chicken until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50-60 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade alternatives to reduce sodium.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the baking time and liquid accordingly.
- Covering tightly with foil is crucial to allow the rice to steam and cook through properly.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
