Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone around the table with smiles? Look no further than this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, a bubbly, golden-topped masterpiece that’s impossible not to love. Each creamy, savory bite delivers tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an irresistible blend of cheddar and creamy sauces, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy Sunday suppers. Trust me, this is a dish that never lingers on the dinner table for long!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole plays a role in creating that signature flavor and oozy texture. Even better, these are all pantry and fridge staples, making this recipe as practical as it is delicious.

Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but any leftover cooked chicken works – the juicier, the better!
Long grain white rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all those luscious flavors and bakes up perfectly tender.
Cream of chicken soup: Adds savory depth and a silky texture to every bite.
Cream of mushroom soup: Gives an earthy backbone and extra creaminess that rounds out the casserole.
Chicken broth: Helps the rice cook up moist while layering on even more flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Divide it for mixing in and topping – it’s the “cheesy” hero in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Sour cream: Offers tanginess and an ultra-luxurious mouthfeel.
Garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth and depth; don’t skip this simple seasoning.
Onion powder: Adds savory sweetness without the fuss of chopping onions.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors – taste and adjust as you like.
Black pepper: For just the right amount of mellow bite in the background.
Frozen peas and carrots (optional): Sneak in some veggie color and sweetness for balance.
Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your casserole from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a generous mist of nonstick cooking spray. This step might seem basic, but it will make serving and cleaning up a breeze once your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole emerges bubbly and hot!

Step 2: Mix Up the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the frozen peas and carrots (if you’re using them). This is where all the flavor magic starts! Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed – don’t worry if it looks a bit soupy at this point, the rice will soak up all those juices as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Gently fold your cooked chicken into the mixture, making sure every piece gets coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you use tender shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped leftovers, the key is to distribute it evenly so you get a bite of chicken in every spoonful.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer so it bakes up consistently. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, which helps the rice cook up nice and tender. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all that flavor-packed liquid.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Brown

Carefully remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top. Slide the dish back into the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step ensures the cheese melts and forms that ooey-gooey, golden brown crust everyone loves. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving to help everything set.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle on a handful of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions right before serving for a bright, fresh finish. If you love a little heat or color, a dash of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

To round out your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole meal, offer a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables on the side. These simple additions add color, crunch, and balance, making your dinner feel extra special without any extra fuss.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings at holidays or parties, or serve it as the hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers. You can even use leftovers to fill tortillas for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole burritos the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure it cools to room temperature before covering to preserve that magical cheesy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the whole casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For the best leftovers, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes), or microwave individual servings with a splash of broth to keep things creamy. Top with a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating for that freshly-baked feel!

FAQs

Can I substitute brown rice in Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Absolutely, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber! Just increase the cooking time and add a bit more broth since brown rice takes longer to soften fully.

Is it necessary to cook the rice beforehand?

Nope! The uncooked rice bakes right in with all the liquids and flavors, making this casserole extra convenient—no pre-cooking required.

What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?

Feel free to mix in your favorite frozen vegetables, like corn, green beans, or broccoli florets; just keep the total volume similar for the best results.

Can I assemble Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can combine all the casserole ingredients (except the final cheese topping), cover tightly, and chill in the fridge for up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and proceed as directed.

How do I know when my casserole is done?

Your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is ready when the rice is tender, the liquid is absorbed, and the cheese on top is melt-y and golden. Give it a quick check by fluffing the center with a fork—if it looks creamy and thick, you’re in business!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, ease, and serious crowd-pleasing power, give this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—simple, hearty, and always greeted with empty plates and happy faces. Let it warm your kitchen and your heart!

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Creamy and flavorful with tender chicken, rice, and a cheesy topping, it’s a delicious one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Nonstick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and peas and carrots if using. Stir in the cooked chicken until well mixed.
Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 50-60 minutes until the rice is tender. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.