Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy one-dish meal that combines tender baked chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy rice cooked in a flavorful mixture of cream soup, milk, and onion soup mix. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a hassle-free recipe that yields tender, juicy chicken and a cheesy rice base with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 envelope onion soup mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix rice ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix until well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture.
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper for flavor.
- Add chicken to casserole: Lay the seasoned chicken directly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is fully tender.
- Add cheese topping: Carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice.
- Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest before serving: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the rice to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Make sure to cover tightly with foil during initial baking to keep the chicken moist.
- Allowing the casserole to rest helps the rice absorb excess moisture and improves texture.
- Optional: add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Keywords: chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, cheesy rice casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/chicken-rice-casserole-recipe/
