Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Highlighted under: Hearty Favorites

I absolutely love making this Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole for my family. The delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness creates a comforting dish that we can enjoy together. It’s a straightforward recipe that allows me to have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Plus, it makes great leftovers, which is a win in our house! Every bite offers warmth and satisfaction, reminding us of family gatherings and cozy nights.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-14T22:05:36.209Z

When I first tried making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up a dish that tasted so rich and satisfying. I thought the combination of fresh ingredients with a mix of cheeses would elevate the flavors, and I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The key here is using quality chicken and a blend of your favorite cheeses for that perfect melt.

What I really love about this casserole is how versatile it is. I’ve experimented with adding vegetables like broccoli and spinach to the mix, which not only adds nutrition but also a splash of color. This dish is now a staple in my kitchen, especially during busy weeknights when comfort food is essential!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy and cheesy layers that create a comforting dish
Quick and simple preparation time for busy weeknights
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a meal prep favorite

Preparing the Ingredients

When making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole, choosing the right ingredients is key to achieving that creamy texture and robust flavor. I recommend using rotisserie chicken for a quick prep—just shred it and combine it with the other ingredients. This saves time and adds a depth of flavor. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken will suffice, but make sure it’s seasoned well to complement the dish.

The rice is another vital component that influences the cooking time and final texture of the casserole. Using long-grain white rice is ideal since it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors from the cheese and broth. It's essential to use uncooked rice in the casserole—cooking it beforehand can result in mushy grains because it'll continue to absorb liquid as it bakes.

Baking Tips

Baking at the right temperature ensures that the casserole is cooked through and the top cheese layer becomes bubbly and golden. I recommend checking for visual cues—when the edges of the casserole start to brown slightly, that’s usually a good indicator that it's ready. If the top isn't browning after 30 minutes, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking is equally important. This waiting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Cutting into the casserole too soon can cause it to fall apart, resulting in a messy presentation. Trust me, a few extra minutes pays off when you see those neat portions!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make this cozy casserole.

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious casserole.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking the casserole.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Add the Cheddar Cheese

Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!

Make sure to enjoy every bite of this cheesy delight!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add some herbs like thyme or parsley to the mix. You can also substitute the rice for quinoa for a healthier option!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

If you're looking to make this casserole a bit lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. It provides a similar creaminess and tangy flavor while reducing fat. Similarly, feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium levels in the dish, especially if you plan to serve it with a salty side like garlic bread.

For a twist on flavor, consider adding different vegetables. Chopped bell peppers or diced carrots would blend nicely into the mixture and add nutritional value. You can also experiment with cheese types; Monterey Jack or mozzarella would give a deliciously stretchy texture. Just be mindful of the melting properties of the cheese you choose to ensure a harmonious blend.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it into the preheated oven—there may be a slight increase in baking time due to the chill from the fridge.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They taste even better upon reheating as the flavors meld together over time. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven until heated through. You can add a splash of milk or broth to keep the casserole moist as it warms up.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?

Yes, you can use cooked rice; just reduce the baking time as the rice is already done.

→ What can I do if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version using milk, flour, and chicken broth.

→ Can I freeze the casserole?

Absolutely! Just assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding extra time.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.