Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe For Comfort

Comfort arrives with this cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises warm, satisfying flavors for any evening meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that deliver maximum taste without complicated techniques.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling blanket over tender chicken and fluffy rice.

Hearty and filling, this dish brings everyone around the table with excitement.

Packed with protein and rich, creamy textures, you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Layers of Yum

• Quick Family Dinner Savior: Transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table in under an hour.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just one mixing bowl and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks or beginner chefs who want a stress-free cooking experience.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients like chicken, rice, and frozen vegetables, creating a nutritious meal without breaking the bank.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for picky eaters by swapping vegetables or adding different seasonings, ensuring everyone enjoys a delicious dinner together.

Chicken And Rice Casserole Cooking Mix

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat provides the main protein for the casserole. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great.
• Rice: Fluffy, cooked base that absorbs flavors and adds hearty texture. White or brown rice are both suitable.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, velvety sauce that holds the casserole together. Reduced-sodium options available for healthier choice.
• Milk: Helps thin the soup and create smooth consistency. Whole milk adds more creaminess.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds golden top and rich flavor. Shredded for easy mixing and melting.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and sweet, fresh taste. Thaw before adding to prevent excess moisture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without chopping fresh ingredients. Helps season the entire dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance overall taste. Adjust to personal preference.

Steps to Cook Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Creamy chicken soup
• Smooth milk
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Sweet green peas
• Colorful diced carrots
• Zesty garlic powder
• Aromatic onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Mix everything until the ingredients dance together harmoniously.

Step 3: Transfer To Baking Dish

Slide the mixed ingredients into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly like a warm blanket.

Step 4: Cheese Topping Magic

Sprinkle a generous layer of additional cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty crown.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to transform into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors settle and meld together before serving up comfort on a plate.

Chicken and Rice Casserole With Creaminess You Can Count On

• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Add additional protein like diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or turkey for extra heartiness and variety.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Replace peas and carrots with broccoli, spinach, or mixed vegetables to enhance nutritional value and keep the dish interesting.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Store Chicken Rice Casserole For Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Enjoy frozen portions within 2-3 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual servings in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Best Add-ons for Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Pair With Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the cheesy casserole, refreshing your palate with its bright, acidic notes.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with cucumber, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty casserole and add nutritional variety.
• Complement With Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up extra cheese sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast.
• Enhance With Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and sea salt to add a healthy, slightly charred vegetable element that complements the casserole's creamy texture.

Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Family Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free white sauce using cornstarch, butter, and chicken broth. Choose certified gluten-free rice and check all seasoning labels for gluten content.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli. Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese for richness. Select low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternative. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup. Keep cheese and seasonings the same for flavor depth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use almond or coconut milk instead of dairy milk. Select non-dairy cream soup or make a cashew-based cream sauce.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as normal.

• Is this casserole good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It stays fresh for 2-3 days when covered tightly.

• Can I substitute cream of chicken soup with something else?

Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are great alternatives if you want a different flavor profile or have dietary preferences.

• How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to increase the nutritional value. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with savory flavors. Warm, satisfying layers welcome you home with each delicious bite of this classic family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked rice
• 1 cup (240 ml) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasoning and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate tender shredded chicken, fluffy cooked rice, creamy condensed chicken soup, velvety milk, the primary portion of sharp cheddar cheese, colorful medley of peas and carrots, and a harmonious blend of aromatic garlic and onion powders, seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until they create a uniform, appetizing mixture.
4. Generously coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
5. Gently transfer the chicken and rice amalgamation into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface to ensure even distribution.
6. Elegantly scatter the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, tantalizing blanket.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece and the entire dish is thoroughly heated.
8. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost vitamin content.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for increased fiber and a more wholesome whole-grain option.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade version or low-sodium alternative to control salt and preservative intake.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg