Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole for Easy Dinners

If you're looking for an easy dinner that the whole family will love, youโ€™ve got to try this recipe for the Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole! Just the other night, my son Jake asked if we could have this dish again, and honestly, who could say no to that? This casserole is not just a meal; itโ€™s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights.

Why Youโ€™ll Love It

  • It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
  • You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving time and effort.
  • It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
  • Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Pure Comfort

There’s something about a warm casserole that feels like home. This Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, filling the air with savory aromas. Itโ€™s comforting, hearty, and perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to snuggle up with a plate of goodness.

What You Need

  • 1 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded – You can also use canned chicken.
  • 1 1 cup long-grain white rice – Brown rice can be substituted, but cooking time may vary.
  • 2 2 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth works well.
  • 1 1 cup cream of mushroom soup – You can use cream of chicken soup instead.
  • 1 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Feel free to use any veggies you like.
  • 1 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used.
  • 1 1 tsp garlic powder – Fresh minced garlic is a great alternative.
  • 1 1 tsp onion powder – Chopped onions can be used for more flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust according to preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF. The warm air will make your kitchen smell amazing as this casserole bakes.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen vegetables. Stir until everything is well mixed and the rice is evenly distributed.
  3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Taste it to see if it needs more seasoning; you want it flavorful!
  4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
  5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the rice cook properly and keeps everything moist.
  6. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to serve.

Make It Perfect

  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream to the mixture.
  • Make sure to shred the chicken finely so it mixes well with the rice.
  • If you’re using brown rice, increase the cooking time to about 60 minutes.
  • Top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Mix It Up

  • Add some diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch.
  • Mix in some spicy jalapeรฑos for a kick.
  • Swap out the chicken for turkey or a meat substitute for a different flavor.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast.
  • Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with some steamed broccoli or green beans.

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FAQs

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just remember to adjust the cooking time.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you have on hand.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole is a go-to for easy dinners that everyone will enjoy. Itโ€™s simple, delicious, and perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. Give it a try, and I promise itโ€™ll become a family favorite!

Close-up of cheesy chicken and rice casserole on white plate

Best Ever Chicken And Rice Casserole for Easy Dinners

This chicken and rice casserole is a one-dish meal combining shredded chicken, rice, broth, cream of mushroom soup, and vegetables. It is creamy, cheesy, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for comforting family dinners or meal prepping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9ร—13-inch Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 lb rotisserie chicken shredded; canned chicken can also be used
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice brown rice can be substituted with adjusted cooking time
  • 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium broth works well
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup cream of chicken soup can be used instead
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables any veggies can be used
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese monterey jack or mozzarella can be used
  • 1 tsp garlic powder fresh minced garlic is a great alternative
  • 1 tsp onion powder chopped onions can be used for more flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper adjust according to preference

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and frozen vegetables; stir until well mixed.
  • Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top; bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Let casserole sit 5 minutes before serving.
Keyword Casserole, Chicken, Comfort Food, easy, one dish, Rice