Do you cook rice before making Chicken Rice Casserole?

Yes, it’s best to par-cook the rice for about 10 minutes before baking. This ensures the rice turns out tender without drying out.

Can you make Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes of extra time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What vegetables work best in Chicken Rice Casserole?

Classic choices include peas, carrots, and broccoli. But corn, spinach, or mushrooms also work beautifully, making this casserole versatile with whatever you have on hand.

How do you keep Chicken Rice Casserole from drying out?

Be sure to use enough sauce or broth to keep the rice moist. Covering the casserole with foil for part of the baking time also helps lock in moisture.

Chicken Rice Casserole – 7 Simple Steps to Make at Home

Description

Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, hearty, and made with simple ingredients like tender chicken, rice, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners when you want something satisfying and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup long-grain white rice, par-cooked
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup (or 2 cups homemade white sauce)
2 cups frozen peas and carrots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs or fried onions (optional topping)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Par-cook the rice in salted water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, par-cooked rice, cream of chicken soup or white sauce, chicken broth, peas and carrots, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and optional breadcrumbs or fried onions.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it moist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 390
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 670mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 75mg