Print

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy, cheesy baked casserole made with tender chicken, seasoned rice, and comforting flavors—perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (add 1/2 cup more if using brown rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, broccoli florets, or diced bell pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear in a skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add optional vegetables to soften slightly.
  4. Stir in rice, chicken broth, cream soup, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
  5. Transfer mixture to the baking dish and nestle seared chicken into the rice. Pour in any pan juices.
  6. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and rice is tender.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.
  • Brown rice requires more broth and longer cook time.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup and broth.
  • Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake with added time.
  • Freezes well—cool completely before freezing up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole/