Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy plate of Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s flavorful, filling, and has that homey quality that makes it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is the definition of cozy.

Fun fact: casseroles became especially popular in mid-20th century America when convenience and one-dish meals were all the rage. They allowed families to prepare hearty dinners without a lot of fuss—and the tradition continues today!

If you’ve loved recipes like my Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole, this one will feel like a warm hug in food form. Let’s get started!

What Is Chicken and Rice Casserole?

The name says it all—chicken and rice baked together in one dish with a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-cozy. Think of it as the dish that greets you at the door like grandma used to—comforting, reliable, and always delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & hearty: Tender chicken and fluffy rice baked in a rich, velvety sauce.

• Budget-friendly: Big flavor, simple ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Customizable: Add veggies, cheese, or crunchy toppings to make it your own.

• Family favorite: Kid-approved, crowd-approved, always a hit.

If my Cheesy Vegetable Casserole made you smile, this one will too.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

Quick Overview

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)

• 1 cup sautéed onions and garlic

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook aromatics: In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.

3. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, uncooked rice, broth, soup, aromatics, and seasonings. Stir well.

4. Transfer: Pour mixture into prepared dish.

5. Top it off: Sprinkle cheese on top (optional).

6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

7. Serve & enjoy: Let rest a few minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Fresh salads: Caesar, Greek, or a light garden salad.

• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots.

• Bread sides: Garlic bread or dinner rolls.

• Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp white wine.

Tips for the Best Casserole

• Cooked vs. uncooked chicken: Pre-cooked saves time; raw works too, but ensure it’s fully cooked.

• Rice choice: White rice cooks fastest; if using brown rice, add extra liquid + time.

• Don’t skimp on seasoning: A good pinch of salt and pepper makes all the difference.

• Make-ahead option: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day—just add 5–10 extra minutes.

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or microwave portions for 1–2 minutes.

Chicken and Rice Casserole

A creamy and flavorful casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich sauce, perfect for family gatherings and busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Use leftover chicken for convenience.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice You can substitute with brown rice, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• 2 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1 can cream of chicken soup Store-bought or homemade equivalent.
• 1 cup sautéed onions and garlic Sauté until fragrant.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) Can use any cheese of choice.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, sautéed onions, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• If desired, sprinkle cheese on top.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
• Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For added texture, consider topping with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken and Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal