Name: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups milk; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

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This comforting Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole features tender chicken, creamy rice, and a gooey cheese sauce, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights with family or friends. It's easy to make and full of flavor, offering a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 ½ cups milk

½ cup sour cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to slightly soften and absorb the flavors.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Variations

Add Vegetables – I sometimes stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Spicy Kick – A dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños can add some heat.

Different Cheeses – While cheddar is a classic choice, I also like to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Crunchy Topping – Instead of breadcrumbs, I sometimes use crushed crackers or fried onions for added texture.

Swap the Rice – Brown rice or even quinoa can be used, but cooking times may vary.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: This casserole freezes well. I let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly before freezing for up to 3 months.

Reheating: In the microwave, I heat individual portions for about 1-2 minutes. For larger portions, I reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor without extra effort.

Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked?

Yes, but I reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes since the rice doesn’t need to absorb as much liquid.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A homemade mix of butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk can replace canned soup for a fresher taste.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it in advance and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, I add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

I use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them entirely, and I make sure my cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

Conclusion

This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is a go-to comfort meal that's easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a creamy, cheesy texture, it's a dish that never fails to impress. Whether making it fresh or as a make-ahead meal, this casserole is always a family favorite.

Recipe:

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, creamy rice, and gooey melted cheese. It's an easy, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights, using simple pantry ingredients to create a rich and satisfying dinner.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the mixture for 5 minutes to slightly soften the rice.
Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.