Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family can enjoy. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious casserole that’s sure to satisfy hunger and cravings alike. Whether it’s a cold day or you’re just looking for something hearty, this casserole is warm, filling, and utterly delightful.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is ideal for those who love a quick yet satisfying meal. It’s not only delicious but also budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors from the creamy sauce, savory chicken, and gooey cheese creates an inviting dish that warms the heart and fills the stomach. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or add spices to suit your taste.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your own Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, and you’ll have a comforting meal in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly and come out hot and bubbly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cooking
Mix until everything is well combined. Pour this creamy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if you desire that extra crunch.
Step 4: Finishing
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your tongue on that cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Serve the casserole warm, paired with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for gatherings or family dinners, and it makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen, adding additional time, or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster preparation. Just shred and mix!
- Feel free to swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses; pepper jack or mozzarella can add a unique twist.
- Add more seasoning like paprika or Italian herbs to elevate the flavor profile.
- For added freshness, toss in some chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Veggie-Packed Casserole: Add more vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the nutrition value.
- Spicy Twist: Mix in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a kick.
- Tex-Mex Flair: Use Mexican blend cheese, add black beans, and throw in some corn for a complete Tex-Mex experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use uncooked rice in the casserole?
It’s best to use cooked rice to ensure even cooking and proper texture. Uncooked rice may not fully cook during the baking process. -
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute it with any cream soup, such as cream of chicken or cream of celery. You can also make a homemade version using flour, butter, and broth. -
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. -
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. -
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for the casserole to be bubbly and golden on top. You can also check that it’s heated through by inserting a thermometer – it should read at least 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and the ability to customize with your favorite ingredients, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to please! Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices. It can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
