Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic, hearty, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s an all-in-one meal that combines protein and carbs, making it a great go-to for weeknight meals.
- Author: Mason Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Make the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- If using, fold in the frozen peas.
- Transfer to the Casserole Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese and Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- For an added crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with a side of vegetables or a simple salad.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a gluten-free version if needed.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the casserole mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
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