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
Scale
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.
