chicken and rice casserole
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table happy—easy to prepare, made with pantry staples, and baked to creamy, cheesy perfection. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, one-dish meal that warms hearts and fills bellies, this one’s a keeper.
I’ve been making this casserole for years, and it never fails. The rice cooks up soft and flavorful, the chicken stays juicy, and the whole thing comes together in a single dish. Bonus? It’s totally customizable based on what you’ve got in the fridge.
🍽 Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One pan, no mess: Everything bakes in the same dish.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this satisfying casserole:
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice – Regular uncooked rice (not Minute rice!)
- 2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup – Or mix and match!
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 packet onion soup mix – Or use your favorite homemade blend
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – You can use mozzarella or Swiss too
- 3 thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: chopped broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or green beans.
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix. Stir it all together, then pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the cheese
Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the rice mixture.
Step 4: Nestle the chicken
Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle the pieces directly into the rice mixture. Don’t worry if the mixture looks thin—it thickens up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Cover and bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, depending on your oven. The rice should be tender, and the chicken fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Spoon some of the rice mixture over the chicken halfway through baking if needed.
Step 6: Finish with cheese
Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and let it melt while the casserole rests for 15–20 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
🥦 Variations and Add-ins
- Broccoli Chicken & Rice: Add 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets before baking.
- Veggie-packed: Mix in mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Different cheeses: Colby jack, mozzarella, or Swiss work great too.
- Herbs & spices: Add fresh garlic, parsley, thyme, or basil for extra depth.
❄️ Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
To Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 days, then bake when ready.
To Freeze:
Wrap the unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
🔁 Instant Pot Option
Short on time? You can make this in the Instant Pot:
- Use 1 can of soup, 1 cup milk, and ½ cup water.
- Combine all ingredients in the pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 8–10 minutes, then naturally release for 10 minutes.
🍴 What to Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round it out, serve with:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted carrots or zucchini
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
🧊 Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a dinner you can always count on—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just good, wholesome comfort food. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again for busy weeknights, meal trains, or cozy Sunday dinners with the family.