Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice in one dish. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and makes a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner idea or a way to use up ingredients in your fridge, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience. Plus, the addition of hidden veggies makes it a winner for picky eaters.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner in the oven, leaving you with more time to relax or attend to other tasks. The beauty of this dish is that it’s both quick and comforting, featuring basic ingredients like chicken, rice, and cheese, which most people already have in their kitchen.
Additionally, it’s a budget-friendly option. The ingredients are affordable, and it’s a great way to clean out your fridge by using leftover chicken or frozen vegetables. This dish offers a complete meal in one, providing protein, vegetables, and carbs all in one casserole dish. Best of all, it’s naturally cheesy and creamy without requiring any complicated steps.
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this cheesy, savory casserole:
- Rice: Long grain white rice is ideal for this dish. It cooks perfectly and absorbs the flavors well.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes. If you have leftover chicken, feel free to use that instead!
- Frozen Vegetables: Any mix of frozen veggies works—peas, carrots, and corn are popular choices.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For a rich, creamy texture. You can swap it out for a lighter cream if preferred.
- Seasoning Salt: Adds depth of flavor; use your favorite brand or make your own seasoning mix.
- Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to give a Mediterranean flair.
- Onion Powder and Black Pepper: For seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps to enrich the casserole, making it smooth and indulgent.
- Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar or marble cheese melts beautifully and gives the casserole that irresistible cheesy crust.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to customize this recipe, there are plenty of substitutions you can make to fit dietary needs or what you have on hand:
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream or additional broth and omit the cheese.
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and will offer a slightly richer flavor.
- Different Veggies: Swap in your favorite frozen veggies like broccoli, green beans, or even a medley of bell peppers to match your preferences or dietary needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by rinsing your rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove excess starch and ensures your rice doesn’t turn too sticky.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, add the rinsed rice, chicken cubes, frozen vegetables, heavy cream, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so it’s evenly combined.
- Add Butter: Dot the mixture with small pieces of butter. This will melt during baking, enriching the casserole’s texture and flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 40-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Check the Rice: Different rice types and ovens can vary, so make sure your rice is fully cooked. If it’s still undercooked after the initial bake, cover the dish and bake for a bit longer.
- Adjust the Seasoning: If you’re using salted broth, reduce the amount of seasoning salt to avoid making the dish too salty.
- Cream Substitutes: For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist and a creamy texture.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some variety, here are a few great pairings:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh salad, such as a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a well-rounded meal.
- Bread: Homemade dinner rolls or garlic bread would complement this casserole beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Spicy Version: For those who like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole for an extra kick.
You can also make it ahead of time and freeze it for later. Once baked and cooled, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
A Perfect Comfort Food Option
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something easy yet satisfying. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and hearty rice creates a dish that’s both filling and comforting. Plus, with hidden vegetables, it’s an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrition for the kids or picky eaters. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family-friendly dish that brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. The hidden vegetables make it even better for picky eaters, and the creamy cheese ties everything together in a way that’s impossible to resist. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this casserole that combines chicken, rice, and cheese in the most delightful way!
FAQs About Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for long-grain white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time, so be sure to check the texture and add extra broth or water if needed.
2. Can I make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and follow the baking instructions. Alternatively, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months and reheat it when needed.
3. What kind of cheese should I use for the casserole?
For the best melt and flavor, freshly shredded cheddar or marble cheese works best. However, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
More Relevant Recipes
- Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
- Easy One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy dish that combines chicken, rice, cheese, and hidden vegetables, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal effort, it delivers a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ½-¾” cubes)
- 2 cups frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 1½ 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 unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer.
- In the baking dish, add the rice, chicken, vegetables, cream, chicken broth, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Dot the mixture with pieces of butter.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Different rice varieties may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- If using salted broth, reduce the amount of seasoning salt.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream alternative.
- Feel free to swap the frozen vegetables for any veggies you prefer.
- Leftover chicken works great in this casserole as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 592
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1198mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 133mg
