Chicken and rice casseroles are the ultimate comfort food. They combine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauces into a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, a casserole is an easy and delicious choice. In this article, we’ll explore 5 chicken and rice casserole recipes that are guaranteed to become family favorites.
1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onions until translucent.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked chicken, rice, vegetables, chicken broth, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
Why it works:
This classic version is creamy and cheesy without being heavy. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or for serving a crowd.
2. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro tip:
Adding broccoli not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a vibrant green color to your casserole, making it look as good as it tastes.
3. Spicy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Why it’s a hit:
This Mexican-inspired casserole has a gentle kick and is packed with protein and fiber. Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor.
4. Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté mushrooms in a little butter until tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, rice, mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and thyme.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
Pro tip:
For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of milk or cream before baking. This casserole is perfect for cozy evenings.
5. Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, garlic butter, chicken broth, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes.
Why it’s irresistible:
The garlic flavor makes this casserole aromatic and flavorful. It’s a simple twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for garlic lovers.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Use cooked chicken: It saves time and ensures the casserole cooks evenly. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this.
- Don’t overcook rice: Slightly undercooked rice absorbs flavors better during baking.
- Add veggies for nutrition: Carrots, peas, broccoli, or spinach add color and nutrients.
- Cheese matters: Use a combination of cheeses for better flavor and texture. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are great choices.
- Cover while baking: Helps keep moisture in and prevents the casserole from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your chicken and rice casserole with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
Why Chicken and Rice Casseroles Are a Family Favorite
Chicken and rice casseroles are not just comforting—they’re versatile. They are easy to make in large batches, perfect for freezing, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. From cheesy versions to spicy twists, these casseroles satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
With these 5 chicken and rice casserole recipes, you can enjoy a different flavor every week while still keeping dinner simple and delicious. Whether you prefer classic, cheesy, or spicy, these casseroles are sure to become a staple in your home cooking routine.