Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Imagine the comforting aroma of creamy, tender chicken blending with perfectly cooked rice and savory seasonings wafting through your kitchen. The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty, soul-warming dish that’s become a staple in countless American homes. This beloved recipe from Ree Drummond combines convenience with homestyle flavor, transforming ordinary chicken and rice into something truly special. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights while still impressive enough for Sunday dinner with the family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe stands out as a true family favorite for good reason. The contrast between the creamy, velvety sauce and the slight bite of perfectly cooked rice creates a textural experience that’s utterly satisfying. Every forkful delivers tender chunks of chicken nestled among fluffy grains of rice, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that’s brightened with hints of vegetables.

What makes this dish truly special is its incredible versatility and ease. With just one pan, you’ll create a complete meal that provides protein, starch, and vegetables in every serving. The hands-off baking time means you can help with homework or tackle other tasks while dinner essentially cooks itself. Plus, the ingredients are pantry and refrigerator staples, making this an excellent option for those nights when you haven’t planned ahead but still want something homemade and delicious.

The chicken and rice bake also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. No wonder Ree Drummond’s version has become such a beloved recipe across America!

Ingredients

For this classic Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 cups white rice, uncooked
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (about 1 pound)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

The combination of both cream soups creates the signature rich base that makes this chicken and rice casserole so creamy and flavorful. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver that adds deeper flavor than plain boiled chicken.

Pro Tips

Use the Right Rice: For the perfect Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, choose long-grain white rice rather than instant or brown varieties. Long-grain rice maintains its structure during the longer cooking time, preventing the casserole from becoming mushy. If you prefer brown rice, you’ll need to partially cook it beforehand and adjust the liquid, as it requires more cooking time than the recipe allows.

Perfect the Vegetable Prep: Dice your vegetables to a uniform, small size (about 1/4 inch) to ensure they cook evenly and create a consistent texture throughout the casserole. This attention to detail makes a surprising difference in the final dish, as larger chunks may remain too firm while smaller pieces could disappear entirely.

Master the Layering Technique: For the best flavor development, don’t just mix everything together. Start by sautéing the vegetables to develop their flavors, then layer the ingredients as directed. This allows the rice to properly absorb the liquid while cooking, and creates distinct layers of texture and flavor that make this chicken rice bake stand out from other casseroles. Reserve some cheese for the last 15 minutes of baking to achieve that perfect golden, slightly crispy top that adds textural contrast.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Measure out all ingredients before starting—having everything ready will make assembly much smoother. If you haven’t already, shred or cube your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is where a rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic time-saver for your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam slightly. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. The onions should become translucent but not browned. Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You’ll notice the kitchen already filling with enticing aromas—that’s the foundation of flavor developing!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
To your sautéed vegetables, add both cans of soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine into a smooth, creamy mixture. Fold in the shredded chicken and frozen peas, mixing gently until evenly distributed. The cold peas will help cool the mixture slightly as you prepare for the next step.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring all grains are submerged. Next, spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the rice and broth. Top with 1 cup of the shredded cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil—this is crucial for properly cooking the rice. Bake for 45 minutes, then carefully remove from the oven and test if the rice is tender. If not, recover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Once the rice is cooked, remove the foil, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Let the chicken and rice casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

Variations

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice Casserole: Create a vibrant twist on the classic Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe by adding 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets cut into small pieces. Simply blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water before adding to the mixture, or substitute it for the peas. The bright green broccoli not only adds nutritional value but also creates a beautiful color contrast and pairs wonderfully with the cheddar cheese.

Southwest Chicken Rice Casserole: Transform your chicken rice bake with bold Southwestern flavors by adding 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Season with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and a dash of cayenne for heat. Replace the cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend, and serve with optional toppings of diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal with vibrant flavors and textures.

Mushroom and Wild Rice Upgrade: For a more sophisticated version, substitute 1 cup of the white rice with wild rice (pre-cooked for 20 minutes), and add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms sautéed with the other vegetables. This variation creates an earthier, nuttier flavor profile that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Storage and Serving

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated portions will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth before microwaving to restore moisture, or cover with foil when reheating in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

For serving, pair this hearty chicken and rice casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete comfort food experience, serve alongside buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce. If you’re hosting guests, elevate the presentation by serving in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a light dusting of paprika for color. This versatile dish works beautifully for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
Yes, but you’ll need to partially cook the brown rice first for about 20 minutes and possibly increase the liquid by 1/2 cup, as brown rice requires more cooking time than white rice.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble this chicken rice bake up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

What can I substitute for the cream soups to make it healthier?
For a lighter version, you can create a homemade cream sauce using 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 cups of milk, and seasonings to taste. Cook as a roux until thickened before adding to the recipe.

Why is my rice still crunchy after the recommended baking time?
This usually happens if the foil wasn’t sealed tightly enough, allowing steam to escape. Ensure your foil is well-sealed, and if needed, add an additional 1/2 cup of hot broth or water and continue baking until the rice is tender.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option that adds great flavor to the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. Simply shred or dice the meat to yield the required 3 cups.

Conclusion

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vegetables all bound together in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and satisfied smiles afterward. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dependable crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and that special homemade quality that makes people feel cared for. The simple ingredients transform into something greater than their parts—a testament to the magic that happens when good food is made with love.

Print