If you’re searching for a meal that brings comfort, nostalgia, and mouthwatering flavor to the table, this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly checks every box. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with satisfying chicken and tender rice, it’s the kind of classic you crave when you want a warm hug in dish form. Even better, it all comes together in one baking pan, so you get hearty, family-friendly portions with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew on a weeknight or bringing something cozy to a potluck, this casserole is an absolute favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has a role to play. Together, they create the perfect balance of creaminess, savory depth, and homey goodness that make this dish a true classic.
- Cooked white rice: Staple base that soaks in all the flavors and adds heartiness to every bite.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Provides lean protein and makes the casserole wonderfully satisfying and filling.
- Cream of chicken soup: Lends creamy richness and binds everything together, giving that signature casseroley comfort.
- Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and velvety texture, balancing the richness of the soup and cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy pockets that amp up flavor in every forkful.
- Milk: Loosens the mixture just enough, ensuring your casserole is moist but never soupy.
- Garlic powder: Introduces a gentle savory depth, making the whole dish more aromatic and delicious.
- Onion powder: Brings complexity and a mellow oniony sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances and brings together all the other flavors in the casserole.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a kick of spice that balances everything else.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Pops of color and sweetness that cut through the richness and add a veggie boost.
- Crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz): Delivers a golden, crispy topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Melted butter: Helps those cracker crumbs brown up beautifully for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential for even cooking and helps your casserole develop that perfectly golden crust that’s key to this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gather your cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything together until it looks evenly mixed, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. Pour your casserole mixture into the dish and use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer—this ensures consistent baking and a beautiful, level presentation.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for that signature crunchy finish that everyone loves in a Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is gloriously golden brown. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes serving much easier.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving. A little dusting of extra cheese or even a few red pepper flakes can also make your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlicky sautéed green beans, or roasted broccoli. A basket of warm, crusty bread on the side is always a hit, helping to soak up every last bit of cheesy, creamy goodness from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things extra fun, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. For gatherings, offer a “build your own” station with toppings like crispy fried onions, jalapeño slices, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a win for next-day lunches or busy weeknights. Simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer servings to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days—just be sure to cool completely before sealing and chilling.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Label and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping crisps up again, about 15–20 minutes. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and add a little extra cheese or milk if it seems dry. The flavors in this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe somehow get even better after a night in the fridge!
FAQs
Can I make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few more minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
What types of chicken work best for this casserole?
Cooked and shredded chicken breast is classic, but rotisserie chicken, baked thighs, or leftover roasted chicken all work for this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. Just make sure the chicken is cooked before adding to the mix.
Can I use a different soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery are delicious alternatives and add their own unique flavors. Feel free to experiment depending on what you have in your pantry.
Is it possible to swap the veggies?
Definitely. Swap in any frozen vegetable mix you like, or add cooked broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach for a different spin on your Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free crackers for the topping. Double-check your ingredients to be sure, and you’ll have a gluten-free version everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is pure comfort in casserole form, and it’s a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser you’ll reach for again and again. Simple ingredients, unbeatable flavor, and easy prep make it a must for any home cook’s repertoire. Give it a try—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole that is a perfect family meal. Creamy and flavorful, this easy-to-make dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, seasonings, and vegetables.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for variation.
- Enhance with cooked mushrooms or sautéed onions.
- Opt for brown or wild rice for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
