Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, as it’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a comforting, flavorful dish that will satisfy everyone at the table.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. The chicken becomes juicy and tender while the rice soaks up all the flavors of the creamy sauce and spices. Plus, you don’t need to worry about side dishes because the rice and chicken cook together in the same pan. It’s a full meal in one that’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to clean up.

This casserole can also be customized with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your immediate family, this Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Meal

The best part of this casserole is the fact that everything cooks together in one dish—no need for multiple pots or pans, making cleanup a breeze!

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The creamy sauce combines with the chicken and rice to create a rich and savory flavor that everyone will love. It’s comfort food at its finest!

3. Perfectly Cooked Chicken

The chicken stays juicy and tender, thanks to the slow-baking process. It absorbs all the flavors of the casserole while remaining moist and flavorful.

4. Customizable

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences, whether you want to add extra veggies, change up the spices, or use a different type of cheese.

5. Great for Leftovers

This casserole makes fantastic leftovers! The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. It also reheats well for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or sour cream
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
Salt and pepper
Paprika (for a slight smoky flavor)
Dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Use Brown Rice

For a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown rice. It adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just be sure to adjust the liquid and baking time, as brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

Add Vegetables

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole. Carrots, peas, bell peppers, or broccoli are all great additions. If you’re adding veggies like broccoli, it’s best to steam them before adding them to the casserole.

Spice It Up

If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños to the casserole. It’ll give the dish a spicy kick without overpowering the flavor.

Cheese Variations

While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can mix it up by using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top can also add a nice flavor contrast.

Make It Gluten-Free

To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own from scratch. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce if needed.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Rice

Layer the uncooked rice in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and any other desired spices.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream (or sour cream), cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Make sure the rice is fully covered with the liquid. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Foil: Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during baking to keep the moisture in. This helps the rice cook properly without drying out.
Use Room Temperature Chicken: If possible, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to help it cook evenly.
Adjust Liquids for Brown Rice: If you use brown rice, you’ll need to add extra liquid (about 1 cup) and increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is perfect for busy days when you need dinner ready fast.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking it. Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.

How to Serve

Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a complete meal in one, but it pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

A side salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect light accompaniment to balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add a nice crunch and color to the meal.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls: A crusty loaf of garlic bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Steamed vegetables: A simple side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or peas adds a nutritious element to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat individual servings, use the microwave for quick convenience. If reheating the whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will add a little more flavor and moisture to the dish.

2. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

It’s best to use regular long-grain rice for this casserole, as instant rice may not cook properly and could become mushy.

3. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients, cook on low for 4-5 hours, and add the cheese towards the end.

4. Can I skip the cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.

5. Can I add mushrooms to the casserole?

Yes, mushrooms are a great addition! Sauté them first to remove any excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s better to use fresh or thawed chicken, as frozen chicken may release too much moisture and affect the texture of the rice.

7. How can I make the casserole spicier?

If you like spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for an added kick.

8. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It may need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.

9. How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice, opt for low-fat cream of chicken soup, and swap out some of the cheese for a lighter version.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing and reheating it thoroughly when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple to make and delicious to eat. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich, flavorful sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking for an easy meal to enjoy over several days, this dish will satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy it hot from the oven or as leftovers for a comforting meal that’s just as good the next day!