Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Nothing says comfort food like a warm, cheesy, and ultra-creamy chicken and rice casserole.
This one’s packed with juicy chicken, tender rice, and a dreamy cheese sauce, all baked together to bubbly, golden perfection.
Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep wonder, or something to feed a hungry crowd, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Plus, it’s effortlessly easy, thanks to a few smart shortcuts.
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Before anything else, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients, measuring out what you need for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Rice (If Needed)
If you don’t already have cooked rice on hand, now’s the time to prepare it. Use white rice for a classic texture or brown rice for a heartier bite. Cook it according to package directions, making sure it’s fluffy and not overly sticky. Once done, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
For a quick and easy shortcut, use rotisserie chicken—it’s already cooked, seasoned, and full of flavor. Simply shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it first by boiling, baking, or sautéing, then shred or dice it into small chunks. The key here is to ensure it’s tender and easy to mix with the rice.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a portion of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well blended into a thick, creamy sauce. Add a little milk or broth if you prefer a looser consistency. At this point, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Now comes the magic! Add your cooked rice and shredded chicken into the creamy sauce, stirring gently until everything is evenly coated. You want every grain of rice to be smothered in that rich, cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken and rice mixture into your greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top—this will create that irresistible melty, golden crust once baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted and slightly golden brown on top, while the edges start bubbling with creamy deliciousness.
Step 8: Let it Rest & Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set, making it easier to scoop out perfect portions. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Pro Tips
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken—it’s flavorful and perfectly tender.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt and texture.
- Rice Prep: If using uncooked rice, adjust the liquid and baking time to ensure it fully cooks.
- Add a Crunch: Top with buttery crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions before baking for extra texture.
- Make it Spicy: A dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños will give it a kick.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce come together in a simple, baked dish that’s effortlessly delicious. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half the cheese. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble:
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve:
Let it sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 32g64%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Gluten-Free? Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Extra Creamy? Add ½ cup of milk to the mixture.
- Want a Crispy Top? Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
