Description
This Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make one-dish meal. Featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice baked to perfection with a cheesy topping, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Soups and Liquids: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Stir the uncooked long-grain white rice and shredded or diced cooked chicken into the soup mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors, becoming tender.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- For a creamier texture, stir in an additional 1/4 cup of milk before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots to the mixture before baking for extra nutrition.
- Use reduced-sodium soups and broth to control salt levels if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
