Some meals feel like a warm hug after a long day, and I find this cheesy chicken and rice casserole one of them. It's a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a no-fuss family dinner. If you are looking for an easy dinner casserole that doesn't skimp on taste, this one is a homerun. Casseroles are easy to prepare, can feed a family, and portable for potlucks or gameday festivities.
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Casseroles are a great anytime dinner that you can prep ahead or assemble quickly and pop in the oven. One of our favorite easy casseroles is this Cheesy Tortellini Pasta that is a great Italian dinner that takes just minutes to prep!
Why You'll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole!
I love cooking this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, and here's why it will become a regular on your table as your family's favorite:
- It's an easy chicken casserole that can come together quickly.
- A cheesy, creamy bite in every spoonful makes it a recipe worth repeating.
- Excellent for meal prep. You can make it ahead or freeze it for later.
- Kids of all ages are happy with cheesy goodness with chicken, even kids of ALL ages!
- It tastes like comfort food perfection, even with simple pantry ingredients.
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
Key Ingredients
Shredded cooked chicken - Best way to use up rotisserie or leftover chicken. You can use this meal prep crockpot shredded chicken, it is such a lifesaver.
Cooked rice - Long grain rice is what I used to test this chicken rice casserole, but any cooked rice will do.
Cream of chicken soup - It adds creaminess to the base.
Sour cream - Makes the sauce smooth and adds a bit of tanginess.
Cheddar cheese - One of the stars of this cheesy chicken and rice dish, bringing melty, gooey goodness.
Lipton onion soup mix - Packed with savory flavor of onion, garlic and herbs for a quick flavor boost.
Black pepper and parsley - Seasoning to balance the overall flavor and to garnish. You really do not need to add salt to the dish because the onion soup mix has plenty of salt added.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, onion soup mix and black pepper. Stir well and add the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, and the cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.
Because the rice and chicken are fully cooked this casserole does not need to be covered or baked for very long. Covering traps all of the steam which cold over cook the rice.
Serving Recommendations
This hearty chicken and rice casserole recipe pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Vegetables like green beans, roasted broccoli, or steamed carrots.
- Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to scoop up every creamy bite.
Make Ahead
This casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake them. Just add 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time. These easy dinner casseroles actually get better when prepped ahead. For best results, let your casserole dish sit out for 20-30 minutes before baking—going straight from the fridge to a hot oven can cause the dish to crack.
Storage
Store the leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you are planning to freeze it, wrap it tightly in foil and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Just remember to let your casserole dish sit out for a bit before baking—going straight from the fridge to a hot oven can cause the dish to crack.
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups shredded cooked chicken, rotisserie (or crockpot shredded chicken* see notes) work great
- 2 cups cooked rice (I used long grain rice)
- 1 22 ounce can family size cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 8 ounce package shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon Lipton onion soup mix
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. While the oven is preheating, lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, onion soup mix and black pepper. Stir well and add the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, and the cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.
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