Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is a creamy, hearty dish perfect for an easy family dinner. Combining tender shredded chicken, long grain white rice, and a rich blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups, it’s baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese and an optional crunchy buttery cracker topping. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 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
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Soups and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Rice, Chicken, and Vegetables: Stir in the uncooked rice, cooked chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen peas or mixed vegetables if using, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is fully tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If using the cracker or breadcrumb topping, mix it with the melted butter, then sprinkle it over the cheese layer.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save prep time and add extra flavor with minimal effort.
- For added flavor and texture, sauté onions or mushrooms and mix them in before baking.
- If substituting brown rice, increase the liquid amount and extend the baking time to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
