If you have been searching for a soul-warming, comfort food classic that hits all the right notes, then look no further than the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice in a harmonious bake that’s bursting with cozy, homey flavors. The cheesy topping and delicate touch of spices make every bite truly unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers satisfaction in each mouthful. It’s simple, nourishing, and beckons you to dive in for seconds and thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a purpose: building layers of flavor, providing comforting textures, or adding a pop of color. With everyday pantry staples complemented by a fresh onion and parsley, this dish is both easy to gather and incredibly rewarding to eat.
- Cooked chicken, 2 cups: Use shredded or diced chicken for tender bites throughout the casserole.
- Long-grain white rice, 1 cup uncooked: The rice cooks inside the dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Cream of mushroom soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Adds comforting creaminess and an earthy undertone.
- Cream of chicken soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Contributes rich, savory depth to the mixture.
- Chicken broth, 1 3/4 cups: Hydrates the rice and infuses it with savory notes.
- Milk, 1/2 cup: Lightens the texture of the sauce, keeping it creamy without being heavy.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavor with a mild garlic punch.
- Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds gentle warmth and a touch of color.
- Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Offers a little bite that balances the creaminess.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon or to taste: Elevates all the flavors perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that pulls this dish together.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and brightens the presentation.
How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Setting the oven temperature early ensures it reaches the perfect heat by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This step ensures the flavors meld into a smooth, luscious sauce that will cook the rice and tie the ingredients beautifully together.
Step 3: Add Rice and Chicken
Next, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded or diced cooked chicken until everything is evenly combined. This blend is the hearty heart of the casserole, where tender chicken meets rice that will soon be perfectly fluffy and flavorful.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly so every bite has the same wonderful flavor and texture. A level surface helps the rice cook uniformly, ensuring no undercooked grains sneak into the mix.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture during baking. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice is tender, fully cooked, and has absorbed all the flavorful liquid. This slow, steady bake is what transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting masterpiece.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil carefully, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and turns a gorgeous golden brown. This final step adds irresistible texture and flavor that will make everyone’s mouth water.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish. This last touch takes the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe from delicious to stunning on your dinner table.
How to Serve Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds brightness and a pop of green, feel free to get creative with chopped green onions or a few dashes of smoked paprika for color and flavor. These little details complement the casserole’s creamy richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so satisfying that it can be a meal all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds freshness. Consider a tangy coleslaw or roasted root vegetables to add texture contrasts and balance the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in rustic individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an impression that’s special yet homey. For a family-style meal, dish it out straight from the baking dish and encourage everyone to pile their plates high. A side of crusty bread to sop up leftover sauce is pure comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and rice casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weekday lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain texture and flavor before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating can help keep the casserole moist and creamy, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice is a healthier choice but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. If you want to substitute, pre-cook the brown rice slightly or increase the broth and baking time to ensure it becomes tender with the chicken and sauce.
What can I do if I don’t have cream of mushroom or chicken soup?
You can make a simple homemade white sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth combined with sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken for flavor. While it takes a bit more effort, it will add a fresh, rich taste without any canned ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers and use vegetable broth along with cream of mushroom soup for a satisfying vegetarian version.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Test a few grains toward the center with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy. The casserole will also be bubbly around the edges and topped with melted cheese.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe feels like passing along a treasured family secret. It’s a dish that makes the whole house smell like home and brings everyone around the table with smiles. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for an uncomplicated meal packed with flavor, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite. Give it a try, and watch how it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy.
Print
Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups baked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, it features a cheesy topping and subtle seasoning for a delicious, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Soups and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded or diced cooked chicken, mixing thoroughly so the rice and chicken are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese has melted and become bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom and chicken soups with homemade versions for a fresher taste.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save preparation time.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure soups and broth are certified gluten-free or use homemade alternatives.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to thicken slightly for easier serving.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, add a little extra milk or broth before baking.
