Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dinner that’s creamy, hearty, and incredibly easy to prepare. This one-dish meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, mixed vegetables, and rich melted cheese baked together in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family-friendly recipe that delivers warm, satisfying flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is loved for its simplicity and comforting flavor. Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup easy. The rice absorbs the savory chicken broth and cream while the chicken becomes tender and juicy. Finished with melted cheese on top, it’s a cozy, satisfying meal that both kids and adults enjoy.

Ingredients

2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½–¾ inch cubes
2 cups frozen vegetables
1½ cups long grain white rice, rinsed well
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
3. Add the chicken broth, cubed chicken, frozen vegetables, rinsed rice, heavy cream, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper to the baking dish.
4. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Scatter the small pieces of butter evenly over the top of the mixture.
6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
7. Bake the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for 40–50 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
8. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole, and return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
9. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Tricks

Use long grain white rice for the best texture in casseroles.
Make sure the dish is tightly covered with foil to trap steam so the rice cooks properly.
You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or paprika to the seasoning mix.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-Friendly

Notes

You can customize this casserole with different vegetables such as broccoli, corn, peas, or green beans. Brown rice can be used, but it will require additional cooking time and extra broth.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: 420
Protein: 32 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 18 g

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it during the final baking step so it doesn’t become dry.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time and add about ½ cup more broth.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

What vegetables work best in this casserole?
Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, broccoli, and corn all work well.

Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes. Freeze it before baking or after cooking in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Storage

Store leftover Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. The casserole can also be frozen for longer storage.

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Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy baked dish made with tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into ½–¾ inch cubes
• 2 cups frozen vegetables
• 1½ cups long grain white rice rinsed well
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
• Add the chicken broth, cubed chicken, frozen vegetables, rinsed rice, heavy cream, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper to the baking dish.
• Stir everything together until well combined.
• Scatter the small pieces of butter evenly over the top of the mixture.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• Bake the Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for 40–50 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the casserole, and return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
• Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

You can customize this casserole with different vegetables such as broccoli, corn, peas, or green beans. Brown rice can be used, but it will require additional cooking time and extra broth.

 

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy families. With tender chicken, creamy rice, vegetables, and melted cheese, this easy casserole delivers rich flavor and satisfying texture in every bite. It’s a reliable recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.