Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings

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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food! White rice and chicken breasts are baked in a casserole dish to creamy and cheesy perfection. There’s also a good amount of veggies in there for those picky eaters at your table!

overhead view of chicken and rice casserole in a white dish.

If you love the classic combo of chicken and rice as much as I do, be sure to check out more recipes like One Pan Chicken and Rice, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup and Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.

To say that we’re obsessed with this Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is an understatement. It’s so easy, cheesy, and perfect for the whole family – even my selective eaters!

This is one of those recipes that I like to refer to as a “clean out the fridge” kind of dinner. Grab those chicken breasts, rice, cheese and the bag of veggies that’s in your freezer. Toss it all together and voila – dinner is served!

It’s also worth mentioning that this easy chicken casserole recipe takes just about 10 minutes to toss together. After that, the oven does all of the work for you! It’s one of my go-to dinners for crazy busy weeknights.

wooden ladle scooping chicken and rice casserole out of casserole dish.

Why we love this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe:

  • So easy: 10 minutes of no fuss prep work? Yes, please! This is a laid back recipe that’s ideal for those weeknights when you need something nice and easy.
  • Budget friendly: All of the ingredients listed here are on the affordable side and probably in your kitchen right now.
  • Hidden veggies: You can add 2 cups of whatever your favorite frozen veggies are to this easy recipe. They’ll nestle into the cheesy chicken and rice so perfectly and all the flavors meld together.
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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients:

ingredients needed for cheesy chicken and rice casserole in bowls.
  • Rice: Any long grain white rice will work well in this recipe. I haven’t tested it with brown rice, but if you do I’d love to hear how it goes.
  • Chicken: It may seem strange to add uncooked chicken to a casserole, but it works perfectly! If you have pre-cooked Shredded Chicken or leftover Baked Chicken Breasts, you can add those in instead if preferred.
  • Broth: I recommend using low-sodium broth. That way, you can add more salt as needed and better control the amount of salt in the recipe.
  • Cream: Any kind of cream will work in here! A lighter cream will just have a less rich flavor than something like heavy whipping cream.
  • Seasonings: A simple medley of seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper and onion powder is what I use to create the very best flavor.
  • Shredded Cheese: If possible, try to use freshly shredded cheese right off the block for the very best flavor and consistency.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred.

How to make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

One look at these pictures and you’ll see just how simple this recipe really is! For more details on the step by step process, keep on scrolling until you reach the recipe card.

  • Rinse the rice. Then, add the broth, chicken, veggies, rice, cream and seasonings to a baking dish.
  • Stir to combine and dot with butter.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake, then uncover and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven for just long enough that the cheese melts.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it dairy free: You can replace the cream with more broth and omit the cheese if desired.
  • Swap the salt: I like Lawry’s seasoning salt, but you can also use 1-1.5 tsp of regular salt and add other seasonings as desired.
  • Change up the veggies: Any frozen veggies you like best will work well here.
  • Use chicken thighs: While breasts are my preferred cut for this recipe, you can certainly feel free to use boneless, skinless thighs instead.
  • Make it meatless: omit the chicken and add in extra veg!

How to store Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I recommend reheating individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through (adding a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy!) so the rice doesn’t become mushy.

Of course, you can also pop the whole casserole back into the oven for a little bit if desired.

Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Yes! Just let it fully cool to room temperature prior to freezing for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Let it defrost in the fridge for a few hours prior to reheating.

Keep in mind that the rice will not be al dente after freezing and thawing, so if this is a deal breaker for you then I recommend refrigerating leftovers.

grey and white plate full of chicken and rice casserole with a fork in it.

Serving suggestions:

What I really love about this Chicken and Rice Casserole is that it’s an entire meal in one! It’s got protein, veggies, and carbs, so it checks all of the right boxes.

With that being said, you can absolutely go the extra mile and plate it with a starchy side like Homemade Dinner Rolls or No Knead Artisan Bread. Or, double down on the veggies with a side like Roasted Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli or Roasted Vegetables.

More casserole recipes you’ll love!

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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

5 from 7 votes
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food! White rice and chicken breasts are baked in a casserole dish to creamy and cheesy perfection. There's also a good amount of veggies in there for those picky eaters at your table!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Servings 6 servings
Calories 592cal

Ingredients

  • cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2) cut in ½-¾" cubes
  • 2 cups frozen vegetables (whichever you prefer!)
  • cups long grain white rice (rinsed well)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons seasoning salt*
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13" baking dish.
  • Place rice in a fine mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly.
  • Add broth, uncooked chicken breasts, vegetables, rice, cream, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder and black pepper to the baking dish. Stir to combine and dot with butter.
  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, until rice is tender.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven to melt and serve.

Notes

*The cook temperature in this recipe has been adjusted from 350 degrees to 400 degrees F.
Ingredients and Substitutions:
  • Rice: any long grain white rice will work well in this recipe. Unfortunately I have not tested with brown rice so I can’t say how the recipe would change.
  • Chicken: it might seem strange to add uncooked chicken to a casserole, but it works just great! If you have pre-cooked Shredded Chicken or leftover Baked Chicken Breasts, you can add those in instead!
  • *Broth: I always start with low sodium broth and season as needed. If you are starting with salted broth you will want to reduce the added salt and adjust as needed.
  • Cream: any kind of cream will work in here, a lighter cream will just have a less rich flavor.
  • *Seasoning salt: adjust as needed according to the broth you are using. I like Lawry’s seasoning salt, but you can also use 1-1.5 teaspoons of regular salt and add other seasonings as desired. 
  • Make it dairy free: you can swap the cream with additional broth and leave out the cheese for a dairy-free meal.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 295grams | Calories: 592cal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1198mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4062IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 258mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords chicken and rice casserole

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. Erica says

    This was so easy and delicious. I did not have heavy cream though, so instead I used about 2 spoonfuls of mayo to make sure I had some creaminess. I also used raw broccoli. Will definitely be making again.

  2. Sara Wingate says

    Flavor was so good we inhaled it! I used jasmine rice and shouldโ€™ve added some chicken broth because I almost burnt it on the bottom! We will definitely be putting this in our dinner rotation!! Thank you for sharing

  3. Cas says

    This was nice. However, double cream really isn’t necessary and not healthy. I substituted a very good quality Greek yogurt…you need a stand-your-spoon-up-in-it consistency and then it won’t separate. There are enough other ingredients to provide taste without piling on the extra calories for no extra taste benefit.

  4. Kay says

    Turned out great! After reading the comments I adjusted the temperature. I did use long grain white rice, but find my oven runs cold so I just increased to 400F. I ended up using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

  5. Ashley Fehr says

    Hi Irene! Unfortunately the exact cook time will depend on the variety of rice you use. Keep in mind that the starches in the rice will thicken the casserole considerably when it sits.

  6. Susan says

    Here’s what I did differently:
    Bake at 400F

    This recipe is so good and easy. We loved it and will be making it again. I did have to adjust the temperature. After, cooking for 40 min. at 350F it was like soup. I increased the temperature to 400F and cooked an extra 15 minutes.

  7. Marie says

    I followed the recipe exactly. After the cooking time of 40/50 mins, the dish was soupy so I also cranked it to 400 for another 15 mins and it came out great. We all loved and it. Making it again tonight for dinner..but will adjust the time and temp.

5 from 7 votes

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