Amazing Chicken and Rice Casserole

When those chilly evenings hit and you just need a hug in a bowl, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal. That’s where my tried-and-true chicken and rice casserole comes in! This dish is your new best friend for busy weeknights, a simple, hearty meal that brings the whole family to the table without any fuss. You know, I used to feel the dinner-time panic creeping in myself when life got crazy busy. But digging into my grandmother’s recipes and figuring out how to make them work for *today*? It’s all about cooking simple joy, and this casserole is the perfect example of that. As I share on my About page, my expertise comes from thousands of hours in my own kitchen, making real food for my family, and this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Seriously, this chicken and rice casserole is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Super Easy: You just dump and bake for the most part! It’s perfect for when you’re tired after a long day.
• Quick to Make: We’re talking maybe 15 minutes of prep and then into the oven. Easy peasy! Check out more weeknight dinner ideas here.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and just hits the spot like nothing else.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters usually gobble this one up! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken and Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For this deliciously simple chicken and rice casserole, you’ll need just a few pantry staples and some fresh goodies. Trust me, the ingredient list is super straightforward, and that’s part of what makes it so amazing for a weeknight. Here’s what we’re gathering:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to get things started.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – you can use thighs too if you prefer!
• 1 cup uncooked white rice – I like to use a long-grain white, but your favorite will do.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup – this is key for that yummy, creamy texture.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup – adds another layer of delicious flavor!
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth – makes sure everything cooks up nice and steamy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – for a little flavor boost.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – just a pinch to wake things up.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – because, well, cheese makes everything better, right?

How to Make a Perfect Chicken and Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s get down to business and make this super cozy chicken and rice casserole! Honestly, this whole recipe is designed to be as simple as possible, which is exactly what I needed when life was extra hectic. You’ll see just how easy it is to get this comforting meal from your counter to the oven and onto the table – perfect for any of those weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but big on hunger. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that just works, every single time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Skillet

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a big, oven-safe skillet – this is the magic pan that does all the work for us!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Pop that skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. We’re just looking for a light brown sear on them, not cooking them all the way through yet. This step adds a little extra flavor, you know?

Step 3: Combine Casserole Ingredients

Now for the best part – one-dish magic! Into the same skillet with the chicken, stir in your uncooked white rice. Then, add in both cans of condensed soup (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom – yum!), the chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir with a spoon until everything looks well combined. It’ll start to smell amazing already!

SAVE IT

Step 4: Simmer and Cover

Let that mixture come to a gentle simmer right there on the stovetop. Once you see a few little bubbles starting to pop, carefully cover the skillet with a lid. Now, we’re ready to move this beauty to the hot oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Slide that covered skillet into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. This is when the rice gets nice and tender, and the chicken finishes cooking perfectly in all that creamy goodness.

SAVE IT

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Carefully take the skillet out of the oven – careful, it’s hot! Remove the lid and sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop the lid back on for another 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to get all melty and gooey.

SAVE IT

Step 7: Serve Your Comforting Meal

And there you have it! Spoon out generous portions of this delicious chicken and rice casserole while it’s hot and ready to be devoured. Enjoy!

SAVE IT

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s talk about making this chicken and rice casserole absolutely sing! Even though it’s super simple, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that can take it from just-good to OMG-amazing. I love sharing these because it’s all about making delicious food feel easy and accessible. These little tweaks can really elevate your dish! If you’re looking for other simple chicken dishes, check out my creamy chicken salad sandwich – another family favorite!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Don’t be afraid to play with your food! While the recipe is perfect as is, you can totally mix things up. If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery works great too. And for veggies? Oh my goodness, throw in some frozen peas or diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of baking – they add a lovely pop of color and freshness. You could even add some sautéed onions or garlic when you’re browning the chicken for an extra flavor kick. It’s your casserole, make it yours!

Achieving Creaminess

If you’re all about that extra creamy, dreamy texture, I’ve got you covered. My recipe notes mention adding a splash of milk or heavy cream to the soup mixture before baking. Trust me, just a little bit makes a world of difference in making this casserole feel extra decadent and hug-in-a-bowl worthy. It smooths everything out beautifully!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Chicken and Rice Casserole

One of the best things about this easy chicken and rice casserole is how forgiving it is – perfect for planning ahead! If you’re looking to save even more time on a busy night, you can totally assemble the casserole earlier in the day. Just mix everything together in your oven-safe skillet (up to step 3), cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. As for leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole reheats beautifully. Store any extra goodness in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just pop it in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through. It’s almost as good the second time around!

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken and Rice Casserole

Got questions about whipping up this easy chicken and rice casserole? I’ve got you covered! Making delicious, stress-free meals is exactly what Carla’s Cooking is all about. Here are some things folks often ask:

Can I use different types of rice?

You sure can! While I love long-grain white rice for its texture, you could try brown rice, but know it’ll need more liquid and a longer baking time. For now, stick to white rice for this simple recipe!

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe gluten-free, just swap the condensed cream soups for gluten-free versions. They’re usually found in the soup aisle and work like a charm!

Can I freeze this chicken and rice casserole?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze this! Assemble it as directed (steps 1-3), then cover it tightly and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual, maybe adding a few extra minutes.

What are good side dishes for this casserole?

This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but I love serving it with a simple side salad for some freshness, or maybe some steamed green beans or broccoli. You can find more ideas on my blog!

Nutritional Information Estimate

Just so you know, this is an estimate, and the exact numbers can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use. But here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in one delicious serving of this comforting chicken and rice casserole: about 550 calories, 25g of fat (10g saturated), 35g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates.

Share Your Thoughts on This Comforting Meal

Did you try making this easy chicken and rice casserole? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Leave a comment below to share your experience, your star rating, or any fun twists you added. And if you share a pic on social media, make sure to tag me – I live for seeing your kitchen creations! You can also reach out through my contact page if you have any questions.

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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A comforting and simple chicken and rice casserole, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 35 min
• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Cover again and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the soup mixture.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or carrots, during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• This casserole is a great option for meal planning.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg