Some nights, you just need a meal that makes itself. With busy schedules filled with work, family commitments, and endless chores, it’s not always easy to find time to prepare elaborate dinners. That’s where this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole comes in—a dish that has quickly become my go-to comfort food. Not only is it incredibly simple to prepare, but it also offers a delicious blend of flavors that the whole family will love.
This casserole combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich cheese, all baked together in one pan. The best part? You can set the oven, kick back, and relax while it works its magic! An hour later, you’ll have a satisfying, hearty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or get-together. With minimal effort, you can serve up a dish that warms hearts and bellies alike.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything bakes together in one pan.
- Creamy & Cheesy: A rich blend of cream soup, milk, and cheddar makes this casserole irresistible.
- Easy to Customize: Add veggies, switch up the seasonings, or try different cheeses.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To start your cooking adventure, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen workspace and gather the necessary tools. First, ensure you have a clean and organized area where you can assemble your ingredients. A 9×13-inch casserole dish is crucial, as it allows for even cooking and easy serving. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl for combining your creamy base, and a whisk to ensure everything is well-blended.
Before you dive into cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your casserole dish with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Once your workspace is set, gather your ingredients: chicken breasts, rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion soup mix, and, of course, your favorite shredded cheese. Having everything at your fingertips will streamline the process and make it a breeze.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick-cut)
- 1 ½ cups white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cans cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- ⅓ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp parsley
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional Add-Ins: mushrooms, peas, broccoli, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or a crunchy topping of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven, take your 9×13-inch casserole dish and grease it with butter or a non-stick spray to create a non-stick surface for your casserole. This step is key to ensuring easy removal once it’s baked.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth mixture. This creamy base is what gives the casserole its rich flavor, so ensure it’s well-blended and free from any lumps.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Take the uncooked white rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish. This will form the foundation of your dish, soaking up all the delicious flavors as the casserole bakes. Once the rice is evenly distributed, pour your creamy soup mixture over it, making sure to coat all the rice thoroughly.
Step 4: Add Chicken & Seasonings
Now it’s time to add your chicken breasts! Place them on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season the chicken with paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance its flavor. You can sprinkle a bit more seasoning according to your taste preferences, but keep in mind that the onion soup mix is already salty.
Step 5: Cover & Bake
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for cooking the chicken thoroughly and keeping the dish moist. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The steam trapped under the foil will help cook the chicken and rice evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the hot steam!) and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the cheese truly brings this dish to life. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish with family and friends!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based option like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or broccoli to pack in more nutrients and color.
- Spices: Experiment with spices such as garlic powder, thyme, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Cooking Notes
- For a creamier texture, consider adding additional milk or even sour cream to the mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, right before serving, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after the cheese has melted for a golden finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking.
- For added freshness, consider garnishing your dish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 890mg
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you need to adjust the cooking time because brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure to follow package instructions for cooking brown rice.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or even homemade cream sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a dinner that will quickly become a staple in your household. The simplicity of this dish makes it accessible for busy weeknights, while its delightful taste ensures that everyone will come back for seconds. Don’t forget to share your reflections, variations, and any new twists you discover while making this dish in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick-cut)
- 1 ½ cups white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ½ cans cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- ⅓ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp parsley
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional Add-Ins: mushrooms, peas, broccoli, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, or a crunchy topping of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix; whisk until smooth.
- Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the greased dish, then pour creamy mixture over it.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the rice and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a creamier texture, consider adding more milk or sour cream. For a crispy topping, broil for 2-3 minutes after the cheese has melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Protein: 34 g