This chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce, it’s a cozy dish perfect for any day of the week.
When I make this, the whole house smells amazing! Plus, it’s easy to prepare—just mix everything in one dish and let it bake. Simple dinners that taste this good are a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey instead. Shredded cooked chicken breast also works great!
Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors well. If you need a substitute, try jasmine rice or even brown rice, though brown rice may require extra cooking time.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is the best, but store-bought works just fine! If you want a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead. Just be aware it might change the flavor a bit.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides creaminess and flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, you can make your own using a homemade white sauce or use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I always find a sprinkle of cheddar on top adds great taste! If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, or simply skip it altogether for a lighter casserole.
How Can I Make Sure the Rice is Cooked Perfectly?
The key to ensuring your rice is perfectly tender is in the baking time and the amount of broth used. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to mix your ingredients thoroughly in the bowl before transferring to the baking dish. This ensures even cooking.
- Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil during the first 45 minutes. This traps steam and helps the rice cook.
- After removing the foil, check for doneness. If the rice isn’t tender yet, you can cover it and bake for a few more minutes.
Letting the casserole sit after baking helps with the flavors melding together. The rice will continue to soak up any liquid, giving you a creamy texture!
Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, dried (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s a simple dish that takes just a little mixing before it goes into the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is hot when your casserole goes in, helping it cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, and all the rice is coated with the creamy mixture.
3. Pour Into the Baking Dish:
Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Make sure it’s nice and level!
4. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly on top of the casserole. This will create a tasty, cheesy layer once baked!
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, and then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake it for 45 minutes, letting all those flavors meld beautifully!
6. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender.
7. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps everything settle and makes serving easier.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Now it’s time to dig into your delicious, creamy chicken and rice casserole!
Enjoy!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice generally takes longer to cook, so you’ll want to increase the baking time to about 1 hour and 15 minutes total while covering it for the first 45 minutes, then uncovering it for an additional 30 minutes. Make sure to check that the rice is tender before serving!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup or wish to make it healthier, you can substitute it with homemade cream of chicken sauce or use a mixture of sour cream and chicken broth. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a dairy-free cream soup alternative available in stores.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If it’s a bit dry after reheating, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help restore creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces and mix them in with the other ingredients before baking. If using frozen vegetables, you can toss them in directly without thawing.
