Here’s a comforting and easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe that’s packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. It’s a one-pan meal that the whole family will love!
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or other vegetables like carrots or corn)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, shredded cheddar cheese (reserve a little cheese for topping), diced onion, frozen peas, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with the reserved shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender. If needed, check that the rice is fully cooked by tasting a grain.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- For Extra Flavor: You can sauté the onion before adding it to the casserole to bring out a deeper flavor. Feel free to add minced garlic for more depth.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add in any other veggies your family likes—mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would work well.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.