Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice cooked together with soups and seasonings, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal great for family dinners with warm, rich flavors.
You’ll love this casserole because it combines creamy, cheesy sauce with hearty chicken and rice, yielding tender, flavorful bites. The classic combination is simple to prepare and can be served with fresh vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 batch homemade onion soup mix, or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 thick boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
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In a bowl, combine rice, cream soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix; stir well. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
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Nestle chicken breasts or thighs into the rice mixture. Cover pan tightly with foil.
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Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Remove from oven; sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Allow casserole to cool for 15-20 minutes to thicken before serving.
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Serve warm with steamed vegetables or a green salad.
Tips for Success
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Use thick chicken breasts or thighs for juicier results.
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Cover tightly with foil to steam the rice properly.
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Let casserole rest before serving to firm up.
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Check chicken temperature for safe cooking.
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Use full-fat soups and cheese for richest flavor.
Delicious Variations
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Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
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Substitute cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick.
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Stir in fresh herbs for added aroma.
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Use brown rice for a healthier alternative (increase baking time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate; bake fresh before serving.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze it?
Freeze cooked casserole; thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk, cheese, and cream soup substitutes.
Is the recipe adaptable for slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours until rice and chicken are done.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting baked dish that combines tender chicken breasts or thighs with fluffy rice cooked in a rich, cheesy sauce made from soups and seasonings. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners with hearty flavors and minimal effort.
Ingredients
1½ cups long grain white rice
2 cans cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
1 cup water
2 cups milk
1 batch homemade onion soup mix or 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 thick boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: To 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
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Mix base: In a bowl, stir together rice, cream soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix. Pour into prepared baking dish.
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Add cheese and chicken: Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the rice mixture. Nestle chicken breasts or thighs into the dish.
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Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake 1½ to 2 hours, until rice is tender and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
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Finish and rest: Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, and let casserole cool 15–20 minutes to thicken before serving.
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Serve: Accompany with steamed vegetables or salad for a full meal.
Notes
Use thick chicken for juicier results.
Tightly cover with foil to steam rice evenly.
Rest casserole to thicken for easier serving.
Check chicken temperature for safety.
Full-fat soups and cheese enhance richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1½ to 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 860
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked rice and chicken, cheesy baked chicken dinner, comforting casserole recipe
