Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole

The comforting aroma of tender chicken and fluffy rice baking together in a creamy sauce is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole combines everyday ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The golden, bubbly cheese topping creates an irresistible finish to this family-favorite dish. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced casserole with juicy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a flavorful sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. Unlike complicated casseroles that require numerous steps, this one-dish wonder comes together in minutes before baking to golden perfection. You’ll appreciate the delightful textural contrast between the tender pieces of chicken, the soft grains of rice, and the crunchy, cheesy topping that forms during baking.

The creamy sauce infuses every bite with rich flavor while keeping the dish moist and satisfying. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to use leftover chicken or rice you might already have on hand. For busy families, this casserole is a lifesaver—it reheats beautifully for lunches and can be prepped ahead for stress-free dinners. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a reliable standby in your cooking repertoire, one that both adults and children eagerly anticipate.

Ingredients

For this Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (or 3/4 cup uncooked rice, prepared according to package directions)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole depends on a few key techniques. First, never add uncooked rice directly to your casserole—it won’t cook properly and will absorb too much liquid, resulting in a dry dish. Instead, cook your rice to just slightly underdone (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions) as it will continue cooking in the oven.

For the chicken, rotisserie chicken provides exceptional flavor and moisture, saving you significant preparation time. If cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, consider brining it first (30 minutes in salt water) before cooking to ensure the meat stays tender throughout the baking process.

Finally, allow your casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This critical step allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle, making for cleaner serving and enhanced taste. Without this resting period, your casserole may be too runny and the flavors won’t have fully developed.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package directions, stopping about 1-2 minutes early so it’s slightly underdone. Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is your opportunity to season your basic ingredients—I like to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to both the rice and chicken for layered flavor.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and milk until smooth. This combination creates the perfect creamy texture that will coat every grain of rice and piece of chicken. Make sure there are no lumps remaining—a smooth base ensures even cooking and flavor distribution throughout your Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, thawed peas and carrots, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to your creamy mixture. The aromatics infuse the sauce with savory depth, while the vegetables add nutrition, color, and textural contrast. Stir until everything is evenly distributed—don’t rush this step as thorough mixing ensures balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine with Rice and Chicken
Gently fold in the cooked rice and chicken until everything is well coated with the creamy mixture. Take care not to overmix or the rice may become mushy. You want each component to maintain its integrity while still being thoroughly combined. This is your Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole base coming together!

Step 5: Transfer and Top
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For an extra-special touch, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese with the melted butter and crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for an irresistible crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are bubbling. This two-stage baking process ensures your Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole heats through completely while developing that beautiful golden top. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Variations

The versatility of this Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole makes it perfect for customization. For a Mexican-inspired version, replace the thyme with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, add a small can of diced green chilies, substitute pepper jack for the cheddar cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers. Serve with avocado slices and sour cream for a complete transformation.

For a Mediterranean twist, use cooked brown rice, add a cup of chopped artichoke hearts, replace the peas and carrots with roasted red peppers and spinach, and incorporate 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese along with the cheddar. A sprinkle of fresh dill before serving brightens the entire dish.

Health-conscious cooks can create a lighter version by using brown rice, low-fat soups, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and increasing the vegetable content. This variation maintains the comfort food appeal while boosting the nutritional profile of your Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Storage and Serving

This Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus adds color and nutrition to complete the meal. For a more substantial dinner, serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. This Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole shines as a stand-alone meal but becomes a feast when thoughtfully accompanied.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?
No, uncooked rice requires specific liquid ratios and cooking times. Always use cooked rice that’s slightly underdone for best results in your Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole.

What can I substitute for cream soups if I want to avoid canned products?
You can make a homemade white sauce with 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup milk. Season with chicken bouillon, mushroom powder, or sautéed mushrooms for flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the center is hot throughout (165°F), and the top is golden brown.

Conclusion

This Simple Chicken and Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and filled with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family together around the table, creating moments of connection and satisfaction. While elegant enough for company, it’s simple enough for weeknight cooking, proving that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for meal-prep solutions, or simply craving something warm and homey, this casserole delivers time and again. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it has earned its place as a beloved classic in countless family recipe collections.

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