Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

Name: Best Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, sliced; 1 cup cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This comforting Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and a medley of vegetables, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, delicious meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Enjoy this classic dish that promises to be a hit on your dinner table!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-01T10:47:33.453Z

This Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is everything you need for a comforting meal. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser!

A Comforting Family Classic

The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just a meal; it's a warm embrace on a plate. This dish combines the wholesome goodness of chicken and rice with a satisfying creamy texture, making it a go-to for families seeking comfort food. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this casserole offers a delightful way to gather around the dinner table and share moments together. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavors ensure it becomes a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Not only is this casserole easy to prepare, but it also allows for creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap in different proteins such as turkey or tofu for variations that cater to your family’s tastes. This adaptability means that you can enjoy this dish throughout the year, with ingredients that are seasonally inspired, keeping the meal fresh and interesting. Perfect for making ahead or freezing, it’s a versatile dish that never disappoints.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole shines not just as an everyday meal but also during special occasions. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, potluck, or cozy dinner party, this casserole is sure to impress your guests. Its inviting aroma fills the air as it bakes in the oven, drawing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. The golden, bubbling cheese on top adds that extra touch of indulgence, making it an impressive centerpiece for any dining experience.

Another advantage of this recipe is its ability to serve a crowd. The generous portions mean that everyone gets to savor the comforting flavors, and you can easily scale the recipe to feed a larger group. Moreover, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s these qualities that elevate this casserole from a simple dish to a cherished family favorite.

Nutritional Benefits

One of the best aspects of the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is its nutritional profile. This dish is packed with protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, the inclusion of broccoli and carrots not only adds vibrant color but also loads the casserole with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded meal that supports a healthy diet. It’s an effortless way to sneak in some veggies, especially for picky eaters.

Using brown rice instead of white can further enhance its health benefits, as brown rice offers more nutrients and fiber, promoting better digestion and sustained energy. You can also use low-fat cream of mushroom soup and reduced sodium chicken broth to control the calorie content while still enjoying the rich, creamy texture of the dish. By making a few small adjustments, you can enjoy an indulgent meal that remains relatively healthy, satisfying both taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together before transferring to the baking dish.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, vegetables, soup, broth, and half of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Bake

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Cooking Tips

When preparing the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped before starting. This not only streamlines the cooking process but ensures that everything mixes evenly, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor throughout the dish. Consider using leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time; it’s a great way to utilize leftovers and saves on cooking time.

Another helpful tip is to allow your casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together while also making it easier to serve. If you’re short on time, you can also prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Simply adjust the baking time if you’re starting with a cold casserole to ensure it’s heated through.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Best Chicken and Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole back in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning while ensuring the center is heated thoroughly. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help moisten the dish if it seems a little dry upon reheating. This makes it convenient to enjoy the comforting flavors throughout the week without feeling like you're eating the same meal every day.

For longer storage, this casserole can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking it again. This method preserves the flavors and makes for an easy weeknight meal ready in a pinch!

Serving Suggestions

The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal even further. A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette compliments the richness of the casserole wonderfully. Add some crunchy croutons for texture, and you've got a well-rounded meal that satisfies both taste and nutrition.

For those who love a little kick, serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls. This combination is sure to please! If you’re looking to maintain a lighter meal, steamed green beans or a side of roasted vegetables work great too. These options not only provide complementary flavors but also add great color to your dinner plate.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.