Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving maximum comfort in just one dish, this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole truly delivers on both flavor and ease. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soups, and melty cheese all bake together to create a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The best part? You don’t even have to cook the rice beforehand! Everything comes together in just a few simple steps, and with fun mix-in possibilities, you’ll find yourself making this casserole again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole comes from simple, everyday ingredients that blend together for rich flavor and a delightful, creamy texture. Each ingredient serves an important purpose, so don’t skip the details below!

• Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie, leftover roast, or any cooked chicken you have—shredded or diced adds satisfying bites and plenty of savory flavor.
• Uncooked long grain white rice: This base soaks up all the creamy goodness, turning perfectly tender as it bakes, so there’s no precooking required.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Lends an earthy richness and creamy body, helping to bind the dish together.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds velvety chicken flavor that deepens the casserole’s savory profile.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things moist and gives just enough salt to balance out the other flavors without overwhelming.
• Sour cream: This brings tangy creaminess and helps everything bake up extra luscious.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper: Pantry-friendly seasonings that deliver a warm, homey taste and a gentle pop of color from the paprika.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: For that classic, gooey, golden top that every great casserole needs.
• Butter: Just a little softens the cheesy crust and makes the flavor truly memorable.
• Optional: frozen peas or diced carrots: These sneak in some colorful veggies and a tender sweetness—use whatever you like best or have on hand.

How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. A quick spritz of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it also ensures those golden, cheesy edges will lift out with ease later.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir this together until it’s beautifully smooth and fragrant—you’ll see flecks of seasoning and a dreamy creamy color. This base will seep into the rice and chicken, making every bite rich and velvety.

Step 3: Add Rice, Chicken, and Veggies

Next, pour your uncooked rice straight into the creamy mixture and give it a good stir. Toss in the cooked chicken—you can shred it or keep it in hearty chunks depending on your preference. If you’re adding peas, carrots, or another favorite veggie, now’s the time! This step is what makes the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole such a timesaver: nothing is pre-cooked, and it all bakes together effortlessly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Cover the casserole tightly with foil (this is essential for trapping in the steam so the rice cooks all the way through) and bake for 45 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all those savory flavors and soften up while the chicken heats through.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish Baking

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil—watch for escaping steam! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole and dot the top with small bits of butter. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is gloriously melty and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving so it can set up well for those perfect, scoopable portions.

How to Serve Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, try sprinkling a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the finished casserole right before serving. Crushed buttery crackers or even a dusting of extra paprika on top adds a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance. A squeeze of lemon also brightens up the whole dish if you like a tangy twist!

Side Dishes

The creamy texture of this casserole pairs wonderfully with something crisp or green on the side. Consider a vibrant green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, classic roasted broccoli, or even simple steamed green beans. Fresh fruit or a bright tomato salad can also balance out the warmth and richness of the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual weeknights, I love serving it right out of the baking dish, family-style. But if you’re entertaining, spoon individual servings into ramekins or mini casserole crocks—topped with a tiny parsley sprig or a twist of black pepper. You can even prep it in advance, portion it, and reheat for easy, delicious lunches all week!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, cover any leftover Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole with foil or transfer it to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it a lifesaver for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole is a meal prep dream! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. It will stay fresh for up to three months—just thaw before reheating for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. If you have the time, you can also re-warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through. Add a bit of fresh cheese on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and will need more liquid, so increase the baking time by about 15–20 minutes. If you’d like perfectly tender rice, check it a couple of times for doneness and add broth if needed.

Can I substitute the canned soups?

If you prefer homemade, you can whip up your own condensed soup base or swap in cream of celery for a different twist. Greek yogurt also works well if you want a lighter version, just know it will change the flavor slightly.

What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience and flavor, but you can use any leftover roasted, baked, or poached chicken. Even leftover turkey works beautifully!

Can I make this ahead and bake later?

Absolutely! Assemble everything but leave off the cheese and butter. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, give it a gentle stir, top with cheese and butter, and add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

How can I add more vegetables?

You can easily mix in frozen mixed veggies, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms before baking. Feel free to use whatever veggies your family loves; this dish is very forgiving and customizable!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an always-perfect comfort food, this Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole truly lives up to its name. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and packed with feel-good flavor in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a repeat guest on your family table!

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