Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Every home cook dreams about the ultimate best ever chicken and rice casserole recipe that satisfies hungry bellies and warms hearts instantly.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this classic dish bursting with savory flavors.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy rice in a way that makes memories around the dinner table.

Simple ingredients come together magically, creating something more than just another meal.

Herbs and spices dance through each bite, promising a culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Your family will lean into their plates, asking for seconds before finishing their first serving.

Prepare to be the kitchen hero who turns an ordinary evening into an extraordinary dining celebration.

Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole for Family Meals

• Create a hearty, delicious meal with minimal kitchen cleanup and just a few simple steps.
• Prepare this casserole in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families needing satisfying dinner solutions.
• Swap proteins, try different seasonings, or add extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Use affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and pantry staples to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Items Needed to Create the Best Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Lean protein that forms the heart of the casserole, providing rich flavor and satisfying texture. Choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation.

• Long Grain White Rice, Chicken Broth, Milk: Creamy foundation that creates a comforting and hearty base. White rice works best for quick absorption and soft texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Flavor-packed combination that adds depth and richness to the casserole. Use low-sodium options if watching salt intake.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Cheesy finish and fresh green garnish that enhance visual appeal and add extra flavor. Choose sharp cheddar for more intense taste.

Instructions to Bake Chicken and Rice with Comfort Built In

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Mix Magic Sauce

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until smooth and pour into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Nestle the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with a dash of salt, pepper, and extra paprika for a pop of color.

Step 4: Create Steamy Perfection

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and helps cook the rice evenly.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check that chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and rice is tender.

Step 5: Cheese It Up (Optional)

Want extra indulgence? Remove foil during the last 10 minutes. Scatter shredded cheddar across the top and let it melt into golden deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Touches

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips for Moist Rice and Tender Chicken

• Customize Chicken Cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference and availability. Thighs provide more flavor and moisture, while breasts are leaner and healthier.
• Prevent Rice Dryness: Ensure enough liquid ratio by measuring broth and soups carefully. Using low-sodium broths helps control salt content and prevents dry, hard rice.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme. Add diced onions or mushrooms for extra depth and texture in the casserole.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute cream soups with homemade versions using cornstarch or gluten-free cream soup alternatives. Choose gluten-free rice and verify all ingredient labels.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow extra baking time if cooking directly from cold refrigerated state.

How to Reheat Chicken and Rice Casserole Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Sides That Complete This Chicken and Rice Combo

• Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy casserole's rich texture, cutting through the heavy flavors with bright, refreshing notes.
• Prepare a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's richness and add a crisp, tangy contrast.
• Add garlic-roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots to introduce additional vegetable nutrition and provide a colorful side dish that matches the casserole's warm, comforting profile.
• Include a slice of warm, crusty French or sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the hearty meal experience.

Flavor Ideas to Update Chicken and Rice Casserole

Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.

Gluten-Free Comfort Dish: Swap cream soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, use gluten-free rice, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, reduce baking time to 35-45 minutes, and add extra herbs for enhanced flavor profile.

Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and replace some seasonings with oregano, basil, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this chicken and rice casserole, blending creamy textures and robust flavors from classic American kitchens. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth

Creamy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 295g) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 295g) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch dish with a light cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy foundation by whisking together rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a smooth base for the chicken.
4. Carefully arrange chicken pieces atop the rice mixture, ensuring even distribution and seasoning each piece with an additional sprinkle of salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote even cooking, then slide into the preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes.
6. Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the rice has absorbed the liquid and become tender.
7. Optional cheese lovers can uncover the casserole during the final 10 minutes, sprinkling shredded cheddar across the top to create a golden, melted crust.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
9. Finish by scattering fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness before serving warm to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
• Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add a nuttier flavor profile.
• Experiment with different protein options like tofu, turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg