Description
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal where raw chicken, rice, cheese, and a flavorful mix of seasonings and broth are combined in a casserole dish and baked until tender and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-bake recipe requires minimal prep and delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup sour cream
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
Liquids & Broth
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add liquids and mix: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine with the rice mixture. Then fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing everything thoroughly but gently.
- Combine chicken and rice mixture: Add the cooked chicken pieces to the bowl and fold them into the rice and cheese mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or frozen peas along with the rice mixture.
- If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Covering the casserole tightly during baking helps steam the rice perfectly.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
