Name: Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the perfect cozy comfort food with all the ease of a one-pan dinner, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It combines tender cubes of chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, sweet peas, hearty carrots, and a blanket of melty cheddar all in one golden, bubbly dish. The best part? It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and designed with busy families in mind. Whether it’s a special Sunday or a hectic weeknight, this casserole hits all the right notes of home-cooked goodness.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of kitchen staples that come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each ingredient has a role to play — from adding deep savory notes to providing pops of color and irresistible creaminess.

Olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful, golden sear on the chicken and gives richness to the base.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Tender, lean protein that’s easy to cube; you can swap for thighs if you love extra juiciness.
Garlic powder: Layers a gentle, mellow garlic flavor throughout the casserole without overpowering.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning — taste as you go!
Onion (diced): Sautés to sweet, aromatic perfection and rounds out the flavor profile.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses each bite with bold, savory undertones.
Long grain white rice (uncooked): The base of the casserole – it absorbs all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy richness and binds every ingredient together in classic comfort food style.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides depth and ensures the rice becomes fluffy and moist without being salty.
Frozen peas and carrots: Bright pops of color and subtle sweetness; they cook right in with zero fuss.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that seals in all the flavors.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and a pretty finish just before serving.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick, and helps it turn out with perfectly crisp edges every time.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your cubed chicken, then season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes—don’t worry about cooking it through, just give it a bit of golden color on the outside to lock in succulence. Remove the chicken from the heat for now.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté them until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the casserole.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish

In your prepared casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, frozen peas and carrots, cooked onions, and garlic. Stir thoroughly for even distribution of all those tasty bits. Gently fold in the browned chicken and give one last mix so every scoop gets a little bit of everything.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and absorb all those wonderful flavors, keeping your chicken juicy and the texture perfectly creamy.

Step 6: Add the Cheddar and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Uncover, give it a gentle stir, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10–15 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt and bubble irresistibly over the surface.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to slice and gives the flavors a moment to meld together. If desired, top with chopped parsley for a fresh, beautiful finish.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the finished casserole isn’t just about looks—it adds a subtle brightness that lifts up every rich, creamy forkful. You can also experiment with sliced green onions or a bit of smoked paprika dusted across the top for a touch of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines next to a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, some roasted green beans, or crusty bread for soaking up every last creamy bite. If you’re feeding a crowd, a big bowl of fruit salad or oven-roasted asparagus brings out the best in this casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

To make this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe dinner-party worthy, try baking it in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or, scoop generous portions onto a bed of sautéed spinach for an elegant twist. For a rustic touch, serve straight from the baking dish at the table and let everyone help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making lunchtime leftovers a treat.

Freezing

If you’d like to get ahead, freeze either the unbaked or baked casserole (just skip the cheese topping until reheating). Wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave or return larger portions to a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until piping hot. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice in this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a fantastic whole-grain swap, just remember to add extra liquid and extend the baking time by about 15–20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks through.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade touch or need a shortcut, you can use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead, or make your own with a simple roux-based sauce for a fresher flavor.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Of course! Chopped broccoli, mushrooms, or even spinach can all be folded in with the peas and carrots for an even heartier and more colorful casserole.

How do I make this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Swap the cream of chicken soup for a certified gluten-free version and double-check that your broth is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy tweak.

Can I make this casserole ahead for a party?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the oven when guests arrive, and add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting out cold.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about serving up a bubbling, golden-brown Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe to your loved ones. It’s a comforting classic that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your table with happy faces. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back to this favorite again and again!

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken and Rice Casserole that is perfect for a family meal. Tender chicken, flavorful rice, and veggies baked together with a creamy sauce and melted cheese – a delicious one-pan dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the cubed chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Casserole: In the baking dish, combine rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, peas, carrots, onion, garlic, and cooked chicken. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Add Cheese: Uncover, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let it rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.