This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite!
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 45–50 minutes
Total Time
- 55–60 minutes
Servings
- 4–6 servings
Ingredients 🛒
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the rice mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, nestling them slightly into the liquid. Season the chicken lightly with additional salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes , then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the rice is tender.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return it to the oven (uncovered) for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips
- Chicken Substitution: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) if you’re short on time. Stir it into the rice mixture before baking.
- Rice Variations: Substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice for a heartier texture (adjust liquid and cooking time as needed).
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced carrots, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The rice absorbs all the savory goodness of the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, while the melted cheddar cheese adds a rich, gooey finish. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing casserole? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
