Easy Chicken Casserole

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Create a hearty family dinner by combining chicken, rice, and cream soup in one dish, baked until tender and topped with cheese if desired.

Ranah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:56:48 GMT
A close-up of a baked chicken dish with a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a bed of rice in a white rectangular dish. Pin it
A close-up of a baked chicken dish with a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions on a bed of rice in a white rectangular dish. | lifesugar.co

Let me share one of my most treasured comfort food recipes - a simple but delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole that has saved countless busy weeknights in my kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients you probably already have, this hearty dish brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce in one cozy package.

What Makes This Special

I love how this casserole comes together so easily while delivering big on flavor. It's budget-friendly and adaptable - perfect whether you're feeding a family or wanting leftovers for lunch. The best part? You can customize it endlessly with different vegetables or seasonings to keep things interesting.

Let's Gather Our Ingredients

Start with uncooked rice - white or brown both work beautifully. You'll need boneless chicken cut into even pieces for consistent cooking. The creamy sauce comes from cream of chicken soup (homemade or store-bought) and chicken broth. Season everything with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. I love adding shredded cheddar on top and mixing in vegetables like peas and carrots for color and nutrition.

Making The Magic Happen

Get your oven warming to 375°F while you combine the rice, broth, soup and seasonings in your baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces on top, making sure they're evenly spaced. Cover everything tightly with foil - this helps the rice cook perfectly. After about 45 minutes, check that the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. If you're using cheese, sprinkle it on now and let it get melty and delicious.

A close-up view of a dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed with a savory sauce, served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Pin it
A close-up view of a dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed with a savory sauce, served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. | lifesugar.co

Tools You'll Need

You don't need anything fancy here - just a good 9x13 baking dish, measuring cups, and foil for covering. A meat thermometer is helpful but not essential. I like using a glass baking dish so I can check the rice's progress from the sides.

A Bit of History

This style of casserole became popular in America during simpler times when combining everything in one dish just made sense. It's amazing how this practical approach to cooking has stayed relevant - these flavors still bring comfort and satisfaction to our modern tables.

Perfect Partners

While this casserole is filling on its own, I love serving it with a crisp green salad for contrast. Some garlic bread on the side never hurts, or keep it light with steamed green beans or asparagus.

Making It Healthier

When I'm feeling virtuous, I swap in brown rice for extra fiber. You can make your own lighter cream sauce instead of using canned soup. Adding plenty of vegetables like spinach or zucchini boosts nutrition while keeping all the comfort.

A close-up of a dish featuring glazed chicken pieces over brown rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Pin it
A close-up of a dish featuring glazed chicken pieces over brown rice, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. | lifesugar.co

Mix It Up

Try using turkey or pork instead of chicken. Switch up the cheese - pepper jack adds nice heat. For vegetarian friends, chickpeas work surprisingly well in place of chicken. Just remember to use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.

Common Questions

Yes, you can use precooked rice - just cut back on the liquid so it doesn't get mushy. Leftovers freeze beautifully for up to three months. And don't worry about thawing frozen vegetables first - just mix them right in.

Insider Tips

Want to boost the flavor? Try searing the chicken first. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds wonderful warmth. And always let it rest for a few minutes after baking - it makes a real difference.

A serving dish filled with rice topped with chicken pieces and green onions, drizzled in a rich sauce. Pin it
A serving dish filled with rice topped with chicken pieces and green onions, drizzled in a rich sauce. | lifesugar.co

More Than Just A Recipe

This casserole has become more than just dinner in my house - it's comfort in a dish that brings everyone together. Whether you're feeding a family or just want something cozy and satisfying, I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, both white or brown rice work well, though cooking times may vary slightly.

→ Why cover with foil?

Covering tightly with foil ensures the rice cooks properly and keeps moisture in during baking.

→ How do I know when it's done?

Rice should be tender and chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature. Check both before serving.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Yes, one cup of mixed vegetables can be added before baking for a complete meal.

→ Why let it rest?

Resting for 5 minutes allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Conclusion

A simple and delicious chicken and rice casserole that provides a complete meal in one baking dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce that everyone will love.

Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice in a flavorful sauce, topped with optional cheese.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 9x13 casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 cups uncooked rice.
02 1.5 lbs chicken breasts.
03 2 cups chicken broth.
04 1 can cream of chicken soup.
05 1 tsp garlic powder.
06 1 tsp onion powder.
07 1/2 tsp paprika.
08 Salt and pepper.
09 1 cup cheddar cheese (optional).
10 1 cup mixed vegetables (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Rinse rice and cut chicken into large pieces.

Step 02

Combine rice, broth, soup and seasonings in baking dish. Place chicken on top.

Step 03

Cover tightly with foil, bake 45-50 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 04

Add cheese in last 10 minutes if using. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Cover tightly with foil.
  2. Check chicken temperature.
  3. Can add vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Aluminum foil.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy if using cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 28 g