Cozy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering cheesy chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth in every delightful bite.

Memories of home-cooked meals dance through each creamy spoonful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that speaks directly to your soul.

Simple yet satisfying, this recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese into pure magic.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Layers of goodness promise to make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole – Real Crowd Pleaser

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to swap ingredients, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a hearty dinner that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals.
• Quick Prep, Maximum Flavor: Minimal chopping and mixing means you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in under an hour, with minimal kitchen cleanup required.

Ingredient List For Cheesy Casserole Success

• Cooked Chicken: A hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.

• White Rice: The classic foundation that provides a creamy texture and fills out the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a rich, golden topping and adds depth of flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds a savory taste.
• Milk: Ensures the casserole stays moist and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Frozen Peas: Adds a pop of color and fresh vegetable nutrition to the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide a classic, aromatic seasoning that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden-brown layer on top of the casserole for added texture.

Easy Steps For Chicken And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Creamy chicken soup
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Sweet onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and singing with flavor.

Step 3: Add Some Green Goodness

Toss in frozen peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Transfer your mouthwatering mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Optional Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top for a delightful crispy texture.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that screams “eat me!”

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve piping hot and enjoy the comfort food magic.

Cheesy Casserole: Tips For Extra Creaminess

• Add diced ham or crumbled bacon for extra protein and a smoky flavor boost.
• Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives to make this dish celiac-friendly.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick that elevates the casserole's flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack, gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique taste variations.

Chicken And Rice Casserole Creative Upgrades

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternative for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Ways To Present Cheesy Chicken And Rice

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh nutrients.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to boost the nutritional value and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Top with fresh chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the creamy casserole.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve with a fried egg on top for a breakfast-inspired variation that transforms the casserole into a delightful morning meal.

Smart Storage For Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to restore crispy top layer.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheddar with monterey jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, and add more vegetables like carrots or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time while adding extra flavor to the casserole.

Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this cheesy chicken and rice casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty flavors. Perfectly balanced ingredients create a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with classic Southern-style comfort food you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy chicken condensation, whole milk, aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, seasoning salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gently fold the frozen green peas into the mixture, ensuring they are well integrated throughout the casserole base.
4. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer to promote consistent heating.
5. For an enhanced textural experience, generously scatter a layer of crisp breadcrumbs across the casserole’s surface, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling perimeter and a rich golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
7. Once removed from the oven, allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
8. Serve the casserole while still warm, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that blends creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutritional boost, which slightly increases cooking time.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or spinach to enhance nutritional value and create more complex flavor layers.
• Consider gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for topping if catering to gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg