Chicken And Rice Casserole
Let me tell you, this chicken and rice casserole is that one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
It’s cozy, comforting, and hits the spot every single time.
And the best of all? You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to make it. I’ve got you. Let’s do this! Together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Super simple to make with everyday ingredients
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One dish = less cleanup (yes, please!)
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Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor
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Great for picky eaters and the whole family
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Perfect make-ahead or freezer-friendly meal
Ingredients Needed
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2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
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1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
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2 1/2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust to taste)
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for greasing the dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is combined and smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the uncooked rice.
Step 5: Add in the cooked chicken and mix it all together. Make sure everything is coated well.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 8: After 45 minutes, take off the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return it to the oven uncovered for 10-15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
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Want extra richness? Use full-fat sour cream.
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Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It really does make a difference.
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For a crispier topping, broil the cheese for 2-3 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
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Using instant rice: It gets mushy. Stick to long-grain white rice.
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Skipping the foil cover: This traps moisture and helps the rice cook evenly.
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Adding raw chicken: Always use cooked chicken to avoid dry or uneven results.
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Not enough liquid: Don’t reduce the broth. The rice needs it to cook through.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
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Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color
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Serve in wide shallow bowls for cozy vibes
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Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies
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Add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness
Variations and Recipe Swaps
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Swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery if you’re not a fan
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Use brown rice (just increase the liquid and baking time)
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Add steamed broccoli or peas to the mix for more veggies
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Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar
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Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
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Reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered, until warmed through
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Microwave individual servings with a splash of broth or milk
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Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months (thaw in fridge overnight before reheating)
What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole
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Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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Crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette
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Sauteed spinach or kale with garlic
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A glass of iced tea or lemonade
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
A: Totally! It works just as well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prep it, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake it when ready.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can, but use two dishes to make sure it bakes evenly.
Q: Is it okay to use pre-cooked rice?
A: It’s better to use uncooked rice so it soaks up the flavor while baking.
Q: Can I make this without cheese?
A: Sure! It’ll be less rich but still tasty.
Q: How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
A: It should be tender and not crunchy. Taste a little before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?
A: Plain Greek yogurt is a good swap.
Conclusion
Alright, that’s everything you need to know about making a killer chicken and rice casserole. Super easy, crazy good, and the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home.
Try it out and tell me how yours turns out, I’d seriously love to hear!
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Chicken And Rice Casserole
This chicken and rice casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It uses simple pantry staples and takes minimal effort to pull together. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, and totally customizable with veggies, seasonings, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix soups, broth, sour cream, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Stir in uncooked rice.
- Add chicken and mix well.
- Pour into the casserole dish.
- Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake 10-15 more minutes.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 6Amount Per Serving Calories About 420 per serving