Go Back
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
  • 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. Step 2: Mix the Base
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the uncooked rice, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cheese
  6. Fold in the cooked chicken and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
  7. Step 4: Bake to Perfection
  8. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  9. Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer
  10. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Step 6: Cool and Serve
  12. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Notes

Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
⭐ Don’t skip the foil! Covering the dish while baking helps the rice cook evenly and prevents dryness.
⭐ Try different cheeses. Mix mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a gooey, stretchy texture.
⭐ Add vegetables. Broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach work great to boost nutrition.
⭐ Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
This recipe also works beautifully with brown rice — just add a bit more liquid and increase cooking time.