There’s just something unbeatable about the comfort and ease of a homemade Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s the type of recipe that warms the house as it bakes, filling every corner with the inviting scent of savory chicken and creamy, cheesy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this no-fuss dish is an all-in-one meal that manages to be both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a meal-prep superstar or just hoping for fewer dishes, this casserole is bound to become a regular on your table.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this classic Chicken and Rice Casserole is just how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating perfect flavor and texture. You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry or fridge!

Long grain white rice: This type holds up beautifully during baking, giving the casserole a fluffy but hearty base.
Cream of chicken or mushroom soup: These add rich creaminess and comforting flavor; feel free to use homemade or canned for convenience.
Water: Combines with the liquid from the soup to perfectly cook the rice right in the casserole.
Milk: Makes the final bake extra velvety, and helps achieve that luxurious sauce that coats every spoonful.
Onion soup mix: Brings a hit of deep, savory flavor and a little punchy onion kick — instant personality in every bite!
Shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, melty, golden top and oozy cheese threads that everyone loves.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Go for thick cuts so they stay tender and juicy, nestled right into the casserole.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essentials for seasoning the chicken just right and making every flavor pop.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, then greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. This little step makes cleanup a breeze, and makes sure you get every last savory bite out of the pan.

Step 2: Mix Up the Casserole Base

In a big bowl, combine the white rice, both cans of soup (whether you choose chicken or mushroom), the cup of water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir them together really well — you want a smooth, creamy base with the seasoning evenly distributed. Once it’s mixed, pour it all into your prepared pan. Don’t be shy about making sure you get every last creamy drop!

Step 3: Layer in the Cheese

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the rice mixture. This first cheese layer melts beautifully into the casserole as it bakes, so you get cheese both inside and out.

Step 4: Nestle the Chicken

Arrange your chicken breasts or thighs right on top of the rice-and-cheese mixture, gently pressing them down so they’re just peeking through. Season the chicken generously with a bit of salt and cracked black pepper, so it soaks up even more flavor as everything cooks together.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Timing depends a bit on your oven and the thickness of your chicken, but you’re looking for tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. It’s best to peek at the 90-minute mark and keep going if needed.

Step 6: The Final Cheese Finish

When the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the casserole from the oven and scatter the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top. Give it 15–20 minutes to cool and set up — this makes serving a snap and lets the cheese get extra gooey.

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or even some crisp sliced green onions really livens up the golden top of your Chicken and Rice Casserole. If you love a bit of color, try a dusting of smoked paprika or a handful of microgreens.

Side Dishes

With its creamy richness, this casserole pairs wonderfully with simply prepared sides. Steamed green beans or broccoli, a classic green salad, or even some roasted carrots add color, crunch, and a fresh balance to every plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins or ovenproof bowls, then sprinkle each with a little extra cheese before broiling for an irresistibly bubbly, personal-sized dish. Or, serve family-style straight from the dish and let everyone dig in while it’s hot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully for quick lunches and easy dinners. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together!

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead, simply assemble but don’t bake the casserole. Cover tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed for a fuss-free make-ahead meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until piping hot, or cover the entire casserole dish and warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. If things look a bit dry, stir in a splash of milk or water.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! But keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and needs a bit more liquid. If you go this route, add at least 1/2 cup extra water and use chicken thighs for best results so the meat stays moist and tender.

What’s the best way to make this Chicken and Rice Casserole in advance?

You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, extending the bake time by about 10–15 minutes if it’s cold.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Stir in chopped broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, or onions before baking. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies and make your Chicken and Rice Casserole even heartier and more colorful.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?

No problem. This recipe is super flexible — try it with Colby jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss. Feel free to mix and match whatever melty cheese you have on hand!

How do I know when my Chicken and Rice Casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the rice is fluffy and tender and the chicken is cooked through (reaching 165 degrees F internally). The top should be golden and bubbling with cheese — it’s hard to resist digging in right away!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, don’t wait to try this Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s comforting, creamy, and wonderfully customizable — the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds. Grab your ingredients, and get ready for some serious comfort food magic!

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5.2 from 26 reviews

Author: Patricia
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite, made in just one pan with a handful of simple ingredients. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
2 cans cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
1 cup water
2 cups milk
1 batch homemade onion soup mix, or one envelope Lipton onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
3 thick boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13” pan.
Mix Ingredients: Combine rice, soups, water, milk, and onion soup mix in a bowl. Pour into the pan and sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
Add Chicken: Nestle chicken into the mixture, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5-2 hours until rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
Finish: Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese, and let cool before serving. Enjoy with veggies or salad.