Cheesy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor – the ultimate family-friendly meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.

this Recipe

I first discovered this dish when I needed to use up some leftover chicken and a bag of shredded cheese. Little did I know it would become a staple in our weekly meal rotation. It's quick to prepare, makes enough for leftovers, and always leaves everyone at the table happy. Let’s dive into why this casserole deserves a spot in your dinner lineup.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Get ready to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is packed with everything you need for a complete meal – all baked together in one dish for minimal cleanup.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With simple pantry staples like rice, chicken, and cheese, this recipe comes together in just a few steps. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is at a premium.

It's also a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cheesy base is comforting and flavorful, while the tender chicken and fluffy rice make it hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

Another win? This dish is a great way to use leftovers. Whether you have rotisserie chicken or cooked rice on hand, this casserole transforms them into something truly special.

Finally, it’s budget-friendly. With affordable ingredients and enough to feed a family, it’s a great option for meal planning on a budget. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or dinner the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible.

Chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken like shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken. It saves time and keeps the recipe fuss-free. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for their rich flavor and tenderness.

Rice: Long-grain white rice works best, as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. You can substitute with brown rice for a nutty flavor, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of tangy and gooey goodness. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, so it’s worth the extra step.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic ingredient forms the base of the creamy sauce. For a homemade alternative, you can make a quick roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth.

Broth: Chicken broth keeps the casserole moist and flavorful. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.

A large baking dish is all the equipment you need. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold all the layers without bubbling over during baking.

How To Make This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is a breeze, even for beginners. Follow these simple steps for a dinner that’ll quickly become a household favorite.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a large baking dish. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and prep your chicken if it’s not already cooked.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.

Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Pour the chicken broth over the top, which will keep the casserole moist as it bakes.

Top with the remaining shredded cheese, ensuring a generous layer to achieve that golden, bubbly crust everyone loves. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

Storage Options

This casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it a great meal prep option.

For storage, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

If you’d like to freeze it, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese for extra indulgence.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.

For a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade light cream sauce and use reduced-fat cheese.

Add some vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. They can be mixed into the casserole or layered on top before baking.

Swap out the chicken for turkey or ham for a creative twist – perfect for using up holiday leftovers.

If you love spice, add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top also works well.

Finally, experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a smoky gouda can all add unique flavors to the dish.

No matter how you customize it, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to hit the spot. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or preparing meals for the week, it’s a recipe that delivers every time. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!

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