Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy rice, and a blend of seasonings baked to perfection. This one-pan wonder is a family favorite, known for its ease of preparation and satisfying taste. The combination of seasoned chicken with the richness of creamy rice creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The best part is that it requires minimal effort—simply assemble the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The rice soaks up the flavors from the chicken and seasonings, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. Whether you serve it with a side of vegetables or enjoy it on its own, this baked chicken and rice casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table. It’s a fantastic dish for meal prep and leftovers, making it a great addition to your go-to recipes for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients, this casserole is incredibly easy to put together, making it perfect for busy days.
One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single dish, so cleanup is a breeze.
Hearty and Filling: The combination of chicken and rice makes for a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, seasonings, or cheese to make this casserole your own.
Leftovers: This recipe stores well, making it a great option for meal prep and delicious leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs
Long-grain white rice
Chicken broth
Cream of mushroom soup (or a different cream soup variety)
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil or butter
Shredded cheese (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Use Brown Rice: For a healthier option, substitute the white rice with brown rice, though the cooking time may vary.
Cheesy Casserole: Top the casserole with shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both for a cheesy, creamy finish.
Use Different Soups: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Sauce Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the long-grain white rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken and Rice

Drizzle a baking dish with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking. Spread the rice mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken with a little extra salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If you’re using bone-in chicken, the cooking time may be a little longer.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and rice casserole about 10 minutes before the casserole is finished baking, and return it to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the flavorful, hearty meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Skinless Chicken: For a leaner version, use skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, you can sauté onions or garlic before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Moisture Control: If the rice is too dry, add a little extra chicken broth to the casserole before baking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure there’s enough space in the dish for the rice to cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger dish or cook in two smaller ones.

How to Serve

With a Side Salad: A simple green salad or coleslaw pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Garlic Bread: Pair it with some warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and make it even more filling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and rice casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–30 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time will be longer. You may need to add a bit more liquid to ensure the rice cooks through.

2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this casserole, as frozen chicken can release excess water that may affect the texture of the dish.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve, though the cooking time might need a slight adjustment.

4. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or make your own homemade cream soup substitute.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn can be added to the rice mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

7. How can I make the casserole extra creamy?

Add extra cream or even a little sour cream to the rice mixture for a richer texture.

8. Can I make this casserole without cheese?

Absolutely! The casserole is just as delicious without cheese, though adding cheese provides a nice, creamy finish.

9. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken works fine in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

10. Can I cook this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is done and the rice is tender.

Conclusion

Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With its tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich seasonings, this one-pan wonder is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a special gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is both satisfying and versatile. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s the perfect dish for anyone craving comfort food that’s delicious and filling.