Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Steps Comfort Food Magic

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The creamy texture and cheesy topping make this dish a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken!

How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, rice, soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until it is bubbly and golden.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole

This casserole is best served warm. You can pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The cheese on top adds an extra layer of flavor, making it irresistible. You can also dish it out family-style or serve it in individual plates for a more elegant presentation.

How to Store Chicken Rice Casserole

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze any leftovers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Chicken Rice Casserole

1. Use leftover chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken works great!
2. You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for added nutrition and color.
3. Make sure to grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
4. If you prefer more spice, try adding some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mixture.

Variation

To mix things up, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of broccoli or even make it a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, but be aware that it may take longer to cook. Adjust the baking time or pre-cook the rice a little.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free versions of the cream soups and check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

Chicken Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole that’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings using just a few ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup Can substitute with cream of broccoli for variation.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth Ensure broth is gluten-free if necessary.
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, rice, soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Baking

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until it is bubbly and golden.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole is best served warm, paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For added nutrition, you can include vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn. If you want more spice, add hot sauce or diced jalapeños.