There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbly Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe straight from the oven. Imagine tender chicken and fluffy white rice with a creamy, cheesy center, finished with a golden cracker crust. This casserole is a weeknight hero and potluck favorite—all rolled into one pan. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a laid-back dinner with friends, it’s a dish that brings everyone together with its nostalgic flavors and satisfying heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is proof that a handful of simple, familiar ingredients can come together to create pure mealtime magic. Each item not only plays a key role in the flavor and texture, but also offers little pops of color, creaminess, and crunch.

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or cubed, this is the protein base—rotisserie chicken works in a pinch!
Long-grain white rice: The uncooked rice soaks up flavors as it bakes, becoming perfectly tender.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to give the rice and chicken that crave-worthy flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: Provides the creamy sauce that makes this casserole irresistibly rich.
Sour cream: Introduces a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and keeps the casserole velvety.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy top (feel free to swap in your favorites).
Frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn add color, nutrition, and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic powder: Boosts the aromatics and brings all the flavors together.
Onion powder: Adds savoriness without having to chop a thing!
Paprika: A sprinkle for both warmth and a gentle pop of color.
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste for perfectly seasoned comfort.
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: The crunchy top layer everyone races to claim first.
Melted butter: Mixed with the crackers for extra richness and a beautiful golden finish.
Chopped parsley (optional): A garnish that’s fresh, vibrant, and elevates the final dish.

How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking from the very beginning. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray—this will keep your Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe from sticking and make serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, plus salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and the spices are evenly distributed throughout for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Fold in the Chicken and Veggies

Now, add in your shredded or cubed chicken along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken and every colorful veggie is coated with the creamy mixture. This step makes each spoonful hearty and flavorful.

Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish

Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula so that it cooks evenly and looks enticing even before it bakes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in all that moisture—this is how the rice cooks up perfectly tender.

Step 5: Bake and Add the Cheesy Topping

Slide the covered casserole into the oven for 45 minutes. After this first bake, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese in an even layer, and then finish with the crushed crackers combined with melted butter. This combination delivers gooey cheese and a crunchy, buttery crust that just begs you to dig in.

Step 6: Finish Baking for the Perfect Crust

Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and everything bubbles invitingly at the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven—this helps the Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe set and makes serving easy. Add the final flourish with chopped parsley for a lively color contrast.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness, or try thinly sliced green onions for gentle oniony crunch. For a cheesy boost, serve with a little extra shredded cheddar on the side—it melts instantly over steamy servings.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. Want more veggies? Sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic alongside the creamy, savory flavors here.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into wide bowls for casual family dinners, or mold servings with a cup measure for an elegant touch at gatherings. For a fun twist, you can bake smaller portions in ramekins—kids and adults alike will love their own individual serving of bubbly, cheesy casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a wonderful option for meal prep or quick weeknight lunches.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar! Cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap (or portion into airtight containers), and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and pop it into a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 20–25 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works well, though you may want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! The Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe works with brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the baking time by about 15–20 minutes and perhaps add a splash more chicken broth to ensure the rice becomes tender.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole through Step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and proceed with baking as directed for a fresh, hot meal.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, leftover turkey is a fantastic swap and turns the Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe into a perfect way to use up holiday extras. The rest of the ingredients and steps stay exactly the same.

What cheese alternatives work well?

You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack if you want a little kick. Mixing cheeses adds extra flavor, so let your taste buds lead the way!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the crackers or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Double check any seasonings or pre-shredded cheese for hidden gluten for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ridiculously easy to make, give this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe a try. Every creamy, cheesy, crispy bite is perfect for sharing—and sure to earn you rave reviews at any table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and flavorful rice, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shredded chicken and mixed vegetables. Mix well.
Bake: Spread the mixture in the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, then top with crushed crackers mixed with melted butter. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.