Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both straightforward and crowd-pleasing, this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe absolutely delivers. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness with flavorful chicken, hearty rice, and a irresistible buttery cracker topping—all baked to cozy, bubbling perfection. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on busy weeknights or when you just need something simple and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family, hungry teens, or looking to bring a smile to someone’s face, this recipe is bound to become a much-loved go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is how it comes together from pantry staples and a handful of kitchen essentials. Each ingredient brings something special, from savory flavors to creamy textures and that all-important golden topping.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: This is your protein powerhouse—use leftovers or rotisserie for extra convenience and robust flavor.
- Cooked white rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all that creamy sauce and pulls everything together beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and depth, with zero effort—this is your shortcut to big, bold flavor.
- Sour cream: For ultimate richness and a velvety texture that makes every bite irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Helps keep the casserole moist and infuses it with savory, chicken-y goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the casserole—classic comfort at its best.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (optional): Give this dish some pops of color, extra nutrition, and subtle sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes, giving the whole casserole a gentle aromatic lift.
- Onion powder: Adds mellow, robust flavor without any chopping or tears required.
- Salt: Brings all the other flavors together in perfect harmony.
- Black pepper: Adds just a tiny hint of warmth and complexity.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Satisfyingly crunchy, these make the golden top you’ll fight over at the table.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping and turns it into pure comfort with every bite.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup later. That little bit of prep sets the perfect stage for the casserole magic to come.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your shredded chicken, cooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables if you’re going that route, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a hearty stir until all ingredients are well combined. This is where the flavors start to cozy up together!
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Now, pour your creamy, colorful mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula so every inch is packed with goodness. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything.
Step 4: Make and Add the Topping
In a smaller bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until everything’s nicely coated. Sprinkle this buttery crunch all over the casserole—you’re officially setting the stage for that iconic golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, hot center and a deliciously golden topping. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone gathering impatiently by the oven.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished casserole with freshly chopped parsley or a handful of extra shredded cheddar right after baking. A touch of green from herbs not only adds brightness to the plate but also gives each serving a beautiful, fresh pop that’s almost too pretty to eat (almost!).
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty casserole alongside a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or maybe some roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. The Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly shines when paired with something crisp and fresh to balance out the creamy, cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining—or just want to make an ordinary Tuesday feel special—try serving individual portions in ramekins or small oven-proof dishes. Or, scoop the casserole onto plates and top with a dollop of sour cream and extra herbs for a dash of restaurant-style flair. It’s also totally fun to serve buffet-style, letting everyone dig right in for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing
Want to stock your freezer with cozy meals? Cool the casserole completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Don’t forget to label and date it, so you know when a treat is waiting in your freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single portions in the microwave until piping hot, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil. If the casserole seems a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to revive that creamy texture. The topping crisps up nicely after a brief spell under the broiler, too!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely—you can swap the white rice for cooked brown rice for extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. Just make sure the rice is cooked and fluffed before adding it to your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
What other vegetables work well in this casserole?
You can mix things up by adding peas, corn, diced bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms. The casserole is really versatile, so use whatever you have on hand or whatever your family loves.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe a day ahead—just cover and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, add your topping and bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes since it will be starting cold.
Is there a gluten-free way to make this recipe?
Of course—use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping, and just double-check all your ingredients. You’ll still get all that creamy, comforting flavor!
What should I do if my casserole seems dry?
If your finished casserole looks a bit dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream before reheating. This will bring back the creamy texture that makes every bite of the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe so lovable.
Final Thoughts
Warm, creamy, and with that irresistible crunchy topping, the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is the definition of comfort food made simple. I hope you give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and make it part of your regular dinnertime rotation—because some dishes are just too good to keep to yourself!
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Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy chicken and rice casserole recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner. Creamy, flavorful, and simple to prepare, it’s a convenient meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra ½ cup of sour cream or milk.
- You can opt for cooked brown rice for a healthier twist or utilize leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
