Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and fluffy rice — the ultimate comfort food dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, it’s a timeless classic the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the base: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread uncooked rice in the baking dish, top with shredded chicken, and pour soup mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Wild rice or blends work with slight adjustments to liquid and bake time.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
- Flavor tips: Add paprika, thyme, or swap cream of mushroom with cream of celery for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole, Chicken Rice Bake, Creamy Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food Casserole, Family Dinner Ideas