Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Food Collection

I love making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole on busy weeknights when I need a meal that's both comforting and quick. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice all in one pot, keeping cleanup minimal. It’s like a big warm hug on a plate, perfect for my family to enjoy after a long day. Plus, it’s a great way to use any leftover chicken or veggies I have in the fridge, making it a versatile recipe that never gets old.

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-10T23:49:36.346Z

When I first tried making Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole, I wanted something that brought comfort to my kitchen without taking hours to prepare. After experimenting a bit, I found that using a mix of cream of chicken soup and shredded cheese creates the perfect creamy consistency that coats the rice and chicken beautifully. It's a dish that always receives rave reviews at the dinner table, and everyone always asks for seconds!

One crucial tip I discovered is to let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that every bite is filled with cheesy goodness. I sometimes add a sprinkle of parsley on top for color, making it both delicious and visually appealing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite
Perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights
Great for using up leftover chicken or veggies

Ingredient Insights

The beauty of Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole lies in its flexibility. While the recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables, feel free to use fresh ones if you have them on hand. Just be sure to blanch them first to ensure they’re tender when the casserole is done. Popular alternatives include broccoli, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms. Each choice adds its own flavor profile and nutrition, allowing you to customize the dish to your family's preferences.

The cream of chicken soup plays a crucial role in unifying the flavors and providing creaminess to the casserole. However, if you're looking for a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup. Just ensure that it’s a creamy base to keep the casserole moist and rich.

Cooking Techniques for Success

When combining the ingredients, make sure to mix them well but avoid over-stirring. This can lead to a dense casserole instead of a light and fluffy one. I recommend using a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. This technique helps maintain the textures of the chicken and rice, giving you that perfect comforting bite throughout the dish.

Monitoring the baking process is essential for achieving that golden, bubbly top. After 30 minutes covered with aluminum foil, take a peek—if the casserole seems too wet, bake it uncovered a bit longer. The final step of removing the foil not only allows the cheese to melt into gooey perfection but helps in browning the surface, giving it a delicious contrast to the creamy interior.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups cooked rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix well until everything is combined.

Add Cheese

Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions or bell peppers to the mixture. You can also use different types of cheese based on your preference.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great things about this casserole is that it can be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the dish in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a perfect time-saver for busy evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, make sure to cover the dish with a lid or foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if you're in a hurry.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it can be enhanced by serving it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a bit of crunch. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken, adding a refreshing element to your dinner plate.

For a flavorful twist, consider pairing the casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce. Both options add an exciting flavor boost and elevate the overall dining experience. These small additions can make each serving feel distinct and enjoyable, inviting your family to try different flavor combinations with each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add broccoli, green beans, or spinach for a healthy twist.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.