Some nights, you just need a meal that practically cooks itself. Between work, kids, and a never-ending to-do list, I don’t always have time for elaborate dinners.
That’s why this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a staple in our house.
Everything gets mixed together in one dish, pops into the oven, and an hour later—dinner is served. No stress, no mess, just pure comfort on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One-Dish Wonder – Minimal cleanup since everything bakes in one pan.
- Creamy and Cheesy – A blend of cream of chicken soup, milk, and cheddar cheese makes it irresistibly rich.
- Customizable – You can add vegetables, swap out ingredients, or play with flavors.
- Family-Friendly – Picky eaters? No problem! This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers – The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even better the next day.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
For this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need following ingredients:
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (3-4 thick-cut pieces) – Provides hearty, juicy bites of protein.
- White Rice (1 1/2 cups) – Absorbs all the creamy, flavorful goodness.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 1/2 cans) – Adds a rich, velvety texture.
- Water (3/4 cup) – Helps the rice cook perfectly without drying out.
- Milk (2 1/2 cups) – Enhances the creamy consistency of the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups) – For that gooey, melted cheese pull we all love.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 packet) – Elevates the flavor with a savory, slightly tangy kick.
- Paprika (1/3 teaspoon) – Adds a mild warmth and beautiful color.
- Parsley (1 teaspoon) – A touch of freshness for garnish.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Season to taste for a well-balanced dish.
Optional Add-Ons
- Vegetables – Mushrooms, peas, or broccoli make great additions.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle for extra cheesy goodness.
- Crushed Crackers or Bread Crumbs – For a crunchy topping.
Tools You’ll Need
- Casserole Dish (9×13-inch) – Perfect size for an even bake.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
- Whisk or Spoon – To mix everything together.
- Aluminum Foil – Helps prevent over-browning while baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. The consistency should be slightly thick—this will help keep the casserole creamy and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Slowly pour the soup mixture over the rice, making sure every grain is coated.
Give the dish a gentle shake or tap it lightly on the counter to allow the liquid to settle evenly, ensuring that the rice cooks uniformly.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Seasonings
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, pressing them down slightly so they’re partially submerged.
Sprinkle the paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken for added flavor and color. If you’re adding any optional seasonings like garlic powder or Parmesan, now is the time to do so.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil—this helps trap steam, ensuring the rice absorbs the liquid properly and the chicken stays moist.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check the rice. If it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cheese from being too runny.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, then serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, comforting chicken and rice casserole!
Best Paired With
- Steamed Vegetables – A light, healthy side to balance the richness.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up every last bite of sauce.
- Green Salad – Adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Storage and Serving
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Tips for Success
- Rinse the rice before using to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use high-quality cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- If using brown rice, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
Substitutes and Variations
- Chicken Thighs – Swap for a juicier, richer flavor.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – For a different depth of taste.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 416 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
What Others Are Saying About the Recipe
- Jean B. – “My whole family loved this! So creamy and flavorful. I added some peas for extra texture.”
- Tom W. – “Super easy to make, and the leftovers were just as good the next day. Will be making again!”
- Blanca L. – “This reminded me of my mom’s cooking. The onion soup mix really adds something special!”
- Wayne P. – “I swapped out the cheddar for a mix of mozzarella and parmesan—amazing!”
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Can I use instant rice?
You can, but reduce the liquid slightly and cut baking time to 30 minutes.
Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Final Thoughts
Life’s too short to stress over dinner, and this Chicken and Rice Casserole proves that simple recipes can still be incredibly delicious. So go ahead, give yourself a break, toss everything in the oven, and enjoy a meal that tastes like home—without all the hassle. And hey, if you find a new way to tweak it, I’d love to hear about it!
Do you cook the chicken first?
Calorie information per serving doesn’t mean much without the amount of servings the recipe makes.