Go Back
To create a tasty Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you need the right ingredients. Here’s a simple list to guide you: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of chicken soup (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using these ingredients, you can make a meal that the whole family will love. Cooked rice is the base, while the chicken adds protein. Broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. The cheese, soup, and milk make it creamy and rich. Don't forget the spices! They bring all the flavors together. For the best result, gather everything before you start cooking. You can find the Full Recipe to help you along the way. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare your baking dish with olive oil to avoid sticking. - Mix the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli in a large bowl. - Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and some salt and pepper in a different bowl. - Pour the creamy mixture over the rice and chicken blend. Gently fold it together. - Transfer the combined mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. - Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and slightly golden. This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a tasty family meal that brings everyone together. You can find the Full Recipe for more details and tips! To make the best chicken and rice casserole, start with cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice, but make sure it's cooked well. The rice should be fluffy, not sticky. When you mix the chicken and rice, keep it gentle. This helps avoid breaking the chicken apart too much. Evenly spreading the mixture in your baking dish is very important. This way, every bite cooks the same. If you pile it in one spot, some parts may not cook well. Use a spatula to smooth it out. To boost the flavor, try adding extra seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder are great, but feel free to add more. A pinch of pepper or even some chili powder can add a nice kick. Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. Parsley adds color and taste. Try using thyme or rosemary for a different vibe. Just chop them up and sprinkle them on top before serving. For family meals, serving the casserole straight from the dish is cozy and easy. If you want to impress, dish it out onto plates. Add a sprinkle of parsley or paprika on top for color. For special occasions, consider using a nice serving platter. Create layers by adding a side salad. This makes your meal more appealing. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this casserole. Try turkey or beef instead of chicken. Both options add their unique flavors. You can also swap the veggies. If you prefer, use peas or carrots. They mix well with the rice and add a pop of color. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free chicken soup. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten issues. You can also make it dairy-free. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk. For the creamy part, try a dairy-free cream soup. This keeps the casserole creamy without the dairy. Want more flavor? Add spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. You can also mix in some hot sauce if you like heat. Try different cheeses as well. Mozzarella gives a mild taste, while pepper jack adds spice. Each cheese brings a new twist to the dish. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time. When you reheat, ensure it warms evenly. Stir it well to avoid cold spots. To maintain freshness, avoid leaving the casserole out for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature. If you know you won’t finish it in three days, consider freezing it. To freeze chicken and rice casserole, let it cool first. Then, cut it into portions for easy servings. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Next, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This usually takes 30-40 minutes. Make sure to cover it with foil to keep it moist. Enjoy your meal again with the same great taste! How to make Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole from scratch? To make this dish, you first need cooked rice and chicken. Mix these in a bowl with broccoli. In another bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, and spices. Then, pour this mix over the rice and chicken. Stir well, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly. For the full recipe, see the complete instructions above. Can I use uncooked chicken in the casserole? I do not recommend using uncooked chicken. The chicken needs to be cooked first. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked. Uncooked chicken can lead to foodborne illness, which is not worth the risk. How long does it take to reheat a frozen casserole? Reheating a frozen casserole takes about one hour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. After 30 minutes, check if it is heated through. If not, continue baking until hot. What to do if the casserole is too dry? If your casserole is too dry, add a bit of broth or milk. Mix it in gently before serving. This will help bring back some moisture. You can also add a little cheese on top and bake briefly to melt it. How to avoid mushy rice in the casserole? To prevent mushy rice, use cooked rice that is slightly dry. Avoid overcooking the rice before mixing it in. Also, make sure to measure your liquids carefully. Too much liquid can make the rice mushy during baking. This blog post covered making a delicious chicken and rice casserole. We discussed key ingredients like rice, chicken, veggies, and cheese. You learned the steps for prep, baking, and tips for flavor. I shared ideas for variations and storage tips. Remember to have fun while cooking. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients. That way, each casserole can be unique. Enjoy the warm, cozy meal and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Delight your taste buds with this Cheesy Herb Chicken and Rice Casserole that's sure to impress! This easy-to-follow recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection with a hint of herbs. Discover how to create this comforting dish step-by-step and elevate your dinner game. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make mealtime unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of chicken soup (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prepare your baking dish, lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

    Combine the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are combined evenly.

      Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Ensure the mixture is smooth and all the spices are well incorporated.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the creamy soup mixture over the rice and chicken blend. Gently fold the mixture together, ensuring each piece of rice and chicken is coated with the creamy sauce.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the combined mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer for consistent cooking.

            Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a nice, cheesy layer that will melt beautifully.

              Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

                Uncover and Continue Baking: After 25 minutes, remove the foil carefully (watch for steam!). Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and has achieved a light golden hue on top.

                  Final Touches: Once the casserole is beautifully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Just before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a homey appeal, or dish individual portions onto plates, garnishing with additional parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of elegance. Enjoy your delicious meal!