If you’re searching for a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, the Chicken And Rice Casserole is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of flavors into one cozy bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal prep and ingredients you probably already have, this recipe delivers on taste and simplicity every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: Comes together in under an hour, perfect for hectic days.
- One-dish wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies all in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Comfort food at its best: Warm, creamy, and satisfying, ideal for chilly evenings.
- Family-friendly flavor: Mild yet delicious tastes that kids and adults both enjoy.
- Customizable ingredients: Easy to adapt to your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken And Rice Casserole calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. The chicken provides juicy protein, rice adds heartiness and soaks up that delicious sauce, and the veggies bring texture and color to brighten the dish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy slicing and even cooking.
- Long grain white rice: Absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly, creating tender, fluffy results.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the casserole with rich flavor and keeps the rice moist.
- Sour cream or cream cheese: Adds creaminess and tang for depth in every bite.
- Onion and garlic: Build the savory foundation that elevates the entire dish.
- Mixed vegetables: Think peas, carrots, or green beans for color and nutrition.
- Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella melts on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to bring everything together.
Variations for Chicken And Rice Casserole
One of the best parts about Chicken And Rice Casserole is its flexibility. Feel free to tweak the ingredients to match your taste buds, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to spice it up.
- Cheesy variety: Swap cheddar for parmesan or pepper jack for a different creamy vibe.
- Vegetarian swap: Omit chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Low-carb tweak: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
- Herb boost: Incorporate fresh basil or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
How to Make Chicken And Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven and gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop onions and garlic finely, and measure out your rice and broth. This simple prep sets the stage for speedy cooking and maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
In a skillet, cook the onions and garlic in a little oil until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and cook just until they start to brown—all the way through cooking will happen in the oven.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Casserole Dish
Transfer the cooked chicken and aromatics into your casserole dish. Stir in uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream or cream cheese, mixed vegetables, and seasonings. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and cook evenly, while the chicken finishes cooking through.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese will melt and turn golden brown, creating that irresistible crust that makes casseroles so special.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken And Rice Casserole
- Even cooking: Cut chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces to ensure everything cooks uniformly.
- Don’t skip the broth: It prevents the rice from drying out and adds rich flavor.
- Foil cover matters: Baking covered locks in steam, which is essential for tender rice.
- Use fresh herbs: They brighten the dish like nothing else.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes post-baking to thicken and settle.
How to Serve Chicken And Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh aroma that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to add crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or pile it on a big platter with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs for family-style dining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions gently to keep the rice from becoming dry.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat covered in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the rice and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used, but increase the baking time and broth slightly as it takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and verify that any seasoning blends do not contain gluten.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the baking time since the chicken is already cooked. Add it with the rice and liquids right before baking.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or a dairy-free alternative to keep the creaminess.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Simply swap out the cheese and sour cream for dairy-free substitutes or omit cheese altogether and add a bit of olive oil for richness.
Final Thoughts
Chicken And Rice Casserole truly is a lifesaver for anyone craving home-cooked comfort without the fuss. Its simplicity, warmth, and endless versatility make it a staple recipe worth testing in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this satisfying meal that feels like a hug in every bite!
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Chicken And Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken And Rice Casserole is a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and mixed vegetables baked together in a creamy sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-dish meal offers minimal prep time and utilizes simple pantry staples for a warm, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Grains
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
Liquids & Dairy
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion and garlic, and measure the rice and chicken broth. Gather all other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the diced chicken and cook until it just starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine Ingredients in Casserole Dish: Transfer the sautéed chicken, onion, and garlic mixture to a casserole dish. Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream or cream cheese, mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake Until Tender: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and cook fully while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Cut chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Do not skip the chicken broth; it keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
- Covering with foil during baking locks in steam, essential for tender rice.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for brighter flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken and settle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg