If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dish that brings family and friends around the table with warm smiles, look no further than the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, savory sauce infused with just the right spices. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, satisfying, and straightforward enough to become a weekly favorite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or love making crowd-pleasing dishes, this recipe is a foolproof way to deliver flavor and warmth every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this casserole is simple, pantry-friendly, and designed to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the cream soups giving that silky creaminess to the freshly chopped onion adding a subtle crunch and zest. Let’s dive into the must-haves for this heartwarming dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: The star protein that adds tender, juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: Absorbs all the delicious liquid and turns fluffy and soft when baked.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds a velvety earthiness and richness to the dish’s base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Brings in extra creaminess and deep chicken flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses it with savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Enhances the creaminess, balancing out the soups perfectly.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a gentle, sweet crunch that brightens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a warm, comforting note that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth and a hint of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough spice to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top for a golden, bubbly finish that’s irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbal touch.
How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparation and Oven Setup
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Setting your oven temperature early ensures even cooking from beginning to end.
Step 2: Mixing the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy base is where your casserole gets its luscious texture and full-bodied flavor, so take a moment to ensure everything is blended nicely.
Step 3: Combining Chicken and Rice
Now stir in your uncooked rice and cooked chicken until everything is evenly mixed. This step is key because the rice will soak up all those delicious flavors during baking, and the chicken will add hearty chunks of protein throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Baking the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this traps steam and helps the rice cook perfectly tender without drying out. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is soft.
Step 5: Adding the Cheesy Finish
Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a delicious, bubbly golden crust. This cheesy layer adds an irresistible texture and flavor contrast that makes this the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 6: Garnishing Before Serving
For a final touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the warm casserole. This not only brightens up the presentation but adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
How to Serve Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley works wonders, you can also add a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or a few dashes of smoked paprika for color and flavor. If you like a little kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top can bring in some exciting heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add crunch and brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole family-style directly from the baking dish, encouraging everyone to scoop their own comforting portions. Alternatively, try plating individual servings in beautiful ramekins and garnishing with a sprig of parsley or a lemon wedge for a fresh zing that keeps the palate lively.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. If freezing uncooked, mix everything and place it in a freezer-safe dish, covered tightly. For best quality, freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If you freeze already baked portions, wrap them well and reheat gently to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave on medium power in 2-minute intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a firmer texture and longer cooking time, so if you want to substitute, you may need to increase the liquid and bake time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Cooked chicken breasts or thighs both work perfectly. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut and imparts extra flavor, making this dish convenient on busy days.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Keep the cream soups but check labels to ensure they’re vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Fresh mushrooms add a wonderful texture but to replicate the creaminess, you’ll need to make a homemade mushroom sauce with cream or a dairy substitute, which adds a bit more time but yields delicious results.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an ideal dish to prep in advance and bake fresh when ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a superstar in any kitchen. It’s cozy, creamy, and delightfully effortless—a dish that feels special yet comes together with ease. Whether for a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or a potluck, it guarantees smiles with every bite. I can’t wait for you to whip up this comforting casserole and make it your own go-to recipe for sharing love through food.
Print
Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and long-grain rice baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dinner option perfect for families looking for a flavorful yet simple casserole recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sauces and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded or diced cooked chicken into the soup mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then return the casserole to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftover rotisserie or boiled chicken for convenience.
- Ensure the rice is fully covered by the liquid mixture to cook properly.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a lighter version.
- Covering the casserole tightly while baking prevents the rice from drying out.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and color.
