Chicken and Rice Casserole

This simple Chicken and Rice Casserole only take a few ingredients and it bakes in 15 minutes or less. It’s creamy and cheesy and a recipe that you are going to love. This is a great recipe to make and serve a large group of people or the next potluck you got to!

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic dinner. It’s a recipe that my mom used to make and a favorite of mine growing up.

My kids love it just as much as me and it has quickly become a staple meal in our home. 

If you love a good classic dinner recipe, I think you would also like this simple chicken casserole recipe also.

I love quick and easy chicken and rice recipes, so I do have a few of those on the blog.

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken – I use cooked and shredded chicken for this recipe. This is the perfect recipe to use up leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, just shred it and you’re ready to go. You can also use my All-Purpose Slow Cooker Chicken if you want to prep it ahead of time. Chicken thighs work great here too if you prefer dark meat, they stay extra juicy and tender.

Instant Rice – I use instant white rice to keep things quick and easy. You can also use regular cooked long-grain white rice or jasmine rice, just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole. Brown rice works too but will change the texture slightly. I do not recommend uncooked rice for this recipe.

Cream of Chicken Soup – Cream of mushroom soup is a great swap if that’s what you have on hand and adds a delicious earthy flavor. You can also use a homemade condensed soup if you prefer to skip the canned version.

Seasoning – I keep it simple with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Want a little more flavor? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a packet of ranch seasoning for a fun twist.

Cheese – I use shredded cheddar cheese and it melts beautifully on top. Colby jack, mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a Mexican blend all work really well as substitutes.

Directions:

Step One: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Start by cooking rice according to package directions.

Step Two: In a large mixing bowl mix cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Once everything is mixed add this to a casserole dish.

Step Three: Last all you need to do is top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.

Baking Directions:

When your casserole is ready in the casserole dish bake for 15-20 minutes. Then remove it from the oven and serve and enjoy.

Optional: I topped mine with fresh diced parsley for garnish

Tips for making Chicken Casseroles:

This recipe is perfect with leftover chicken. I make my all-purpose slow cooker chicken at the beginning of every week and use the chicken for my recipes.

I use the chicken for easy wraps or salads for lunch. Then I add it to casseroles or soups for dinner.

Want to Make This in the Slow Cooker?

If you love this chicken and rice casserole but want a more hands-off version I have you covered! My Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole uses the same simple ingredients but lets the crockpot do all the work for you.

Just add your chicken breasts and sauce to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through just shred it, stir in your cooked rice and cheese, and dinner is served!

It is the perfect version to make on busy days when you want a hot comforting meal waiting for you when you get home. My family absolutely loves both versions and I know yours will too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes! Rotisserie chicken is one of my favorite shortcuts for this casserole. Just shred it up and use it in place of your cooked chicken. It saves so much time and adds amazing flavor.

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole? I do not recommend using uncooked rice in this recipe. Since the casserole only bakes for 15-20 minutes, uncooked rice will not have enough time to cook through.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Mix everything together and place it in your casserole dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready, just pop it in the oven and bake according to directions.

Can I freeze this chicken and rice casserole? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then cook according to directions.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken? Yes, cream of mushroom soup works great as a substitute and gives the casserole a slightly richer, earthier flavor. Any condensed cream soup will work well in this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Yes and I highly recommend it! Broccoli florets, frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, and green beans are all great additions. Just mix them in with the other ingredients before baking.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through.

What to Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairing it with a simple side dish makes it feel extra special. Here are some of my favorite things to serve alongside it:

Roasted Broccoli – Broccoli and chicken rice casserole were made for each other. This simple roasted broccoli comes together so fast and the crispy edges are absolutely delicious.

Southern Green Beans – These slow-cooked, tender green beans are the perfect cozy side dish to go with a warm casserole.

Cheesy Corn – My kids go crazy for this cheesy corn alongside any casserole recipe. It is creamy, cheesy, and comes together in no time. Honestly one of the most requested sides in our house.

7 Layer Salad – If you want something fresh and light to balance out this hearty casserole, this 7 layer salad is always a hit.

Smashed Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. These smashed potatoes are one of my absolute favorite side dishes and they pair so well with the creamy flavors of this casserole.

Try some of my other favorite Casserole recipes:

Tuna Casserole – A classic dinner recipe that the entire family will love. Even my kids asked for seconds of this Easy Tuna Casserole. It’s made with egg noodles and then topped with cheese before baking. Usually, I have most of these ingredients in my pantry, so if I need a quick meal, it’s this!

Tater Tot Casserole – This Tater Tot Casserole is one of the best casseroles you will ever make. Hearty and cheesy this casserole is going to be a favorite for many dinners to come!

Crack Chicken Casserole – This Crack Chicken Casserole is made with shredded hashbrown potatoes, bacon, and ranch seasoning. It’s a favorite with my family and a recipe you are sure to love. 

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