Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a chilly evening, you’re craving comfort food, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen is mind blowing. What makes you want to watch Netflix? What is the best chicken Rice Casserole recipe? What’s the easiest and most satisfying dinner you can whip up with ingredients you probably already have? Think of it as the lasagna of casseroles – hearty, layered, and oh-so-delicious, but without all the ingredients. My family goes nuts for this, and I bet you will too! It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

What is chicken rice casserole?

Chicken Rice Casserole is a baked dish featuring chicken, rice, and creamy sauce. Often with vegetables mixed in. What is a classic comfort food that has been around for ages? What is a deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie? What’s the best way to use up leftover chicken? What is my secret weapon? What is the magic of creamy sauce? What is the kind of meal that fills you up without weighing you down and brings everyone together? What is around the table?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why I adore this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, but let’s start with the obvious: the flavor! It’s rich, savory, and comforting, with a creamy texture that’s just irresistible. The chicken is tender, the rice is perfectly cooked, and the vegetables add a delightful pop of freshness. What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, you can have it in the oven in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. And it’s incredibly cost-effective, using pantry staples and affordable ingredients. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite veggies, different cheeses, or even add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes like Chicken Pot Pie or chicken Alfredo, you’re going to absolutely flip for this. It’s also a great way to get picky eaters to eat their vegetables – trust me, they won’t even notice them in this delicious casserole! It’s a winner all around!

How do I make chicken rice casserole?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Chicken Rice Casserole? I’ll start by cooking the rice and prepping the vegetables. If you want a creamy sauce, combine all the ingredients, and bake it until golden and crispy. It’s mostly hands-off cooking, leaving you free to do other things while it’s baking. What is the easiest recipe to make for a beginner? What’s all about layering flavors and textures for a satisfying meal?

Ingredients

For the Chicken Rice Casserole:
* 2 cups cooked rice (I usually use long grain white rice, but brown rice works too)
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover chicken is perfect, or grab a rotisserie chicken).
Can condensed cream of Chicken Soup be used (feel free to use cream or celery for a similar flavor). What are the different flavor profiles?
* 1 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it was surprisingly good!)
* 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (peas, carrots and corn – the usual suspects)
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese – Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a whole wheat). What is a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese?
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings
* Crushed Crackers (Ritz crackers are my personal favorite!)
* Extra shredded cheese
* Chopped fresh parsley

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to your pan?

Step 2: Sauté Onion

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. This step adds a layer of flavor to the casserole, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, cream of Chicken Soup, milk, thawed mixed. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for this recipe: vegetables, cheddar cheese, sautéed onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour Into Baking Dish

How do you spread the mixture in a baking dish?

Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)

If desired, sprinkle crushed crackers or extra shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This adds a nice crunchy texture and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and the casserole should have been heated through.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Alternative cooking method : Slow Cooker.

Can I make this recipe in a Slow Cooker? In a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 4 hours. Just make sure to check it periodically and stir to prevent sticking and cooking on the edges.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Rice casserole? What are some good serving suggestions?

For a simple side:What is a green salad with sour cream? What is the best way to enjoy a refreshing meal?

What is a hearty meal?Serve with a side of Roasted Asparagus or steamed green beans. What are some of the best vegetables to eat?

For a Cozy Night In:Serve with a crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. Nothing beats a cozy dinner.

Family Tradition: What isWhen we serve this casserole, we always have a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. What is a good way to balance out the savory flavors?

How do I make a perfect chicken rice casserole?

Want to take your Chicken Rice Casserole to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Rice Choice: While I typically use long-grain white rice, feel free to experiment with other types of rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Quinoa is also a great option for a gluten-free alternative.

Chicken Prep: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your chicken! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded or diced before adding it to the casserole.

Vegetable Variety: The possibilities are endless when it comes to vegetables! Add your favorites, such as broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure to thaw frozen vegetables before using them to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses to create your perfect flavor combination. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious. You can also use a combination of cheeses for extra richness.

Breadcrumb Boost: For extra crunch, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking. Panko breadcrumbs work especially well.

Sauce Secrets: If you want to make the sauce even creamier, try adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. This will add richness and tanginess to the casserole.

My secret tip: After making this for years, I always add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken and rice mixture for an extra kick. It’s so subtle that you’ll wonder what makes it so good!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Rice Casserole:

Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Best reheat method: For the best results, I prefer to reheat the casserole in the oven. It helps to maintain the texture and flavor. Just add a splash of milk or broth to keep it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, you can use any vegetables you like! Just make sure to thaw frozen vegetables before using them to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Can I make this without the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can make your own cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. There are plenty of recipes online. I like to use heavy cream it adds a wonderful taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.

Can I add more flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a true family favorite for a reason. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones, this casserole is sure to please. I truly hope you’ll try it tonight or tomorrow! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I always love to see what you come up with!

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