Looking for a comforting dinner that's simple to make and sure to please the whole family? This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken for a hearty, satisfying meal.
I love recipes that feel indulgent but are actually simple to make, and this rice and chicken casserole is just that. With only a handful of ingredients, it's a one-dish meal that comes together in about 10 minutes of prep and bakes to creamy, cheesy perfection. Using rotisserie chicken keeps it quick while adding incredible flavor, and the mix of herbs and paprika gives it a warm, homey taste that has everyone at my table reaching for seconds!
If you love cheesy chicken dinners, you'll also want to try our cheesy chicken alfredo lasagna and cheesy chicken spaghetti for even more creamy, comforting meals.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This chicken with rice casserole recipe is ready in just over an hour with only 10 minutes of prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Looking for more easy casseroles? You'll love this Philly cheesesteak casserole.
- Cheesy and Comforting: Creamy mozzarella and tender chicken make a cheesy chicken rice casserole that's rich, satisfying, and full of flavor.
- Family Friendly: Mild flavors and hearty ingredients in this chicken casserole with rice make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The chicken and rice bake makes great leftovers that reheat perfectly for lunches or dinners.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- Chicken: Use rotisserie or any cooked chicken, diced or shredded. I love rotisserie for its extra flavor and to save time, while leftover cooked chicken also works great.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Full-fat gives the richest flavor, but light also works well.
- Rice: Long-grain rice stays fluffy and separate after baking. For another flavorful, rice-packed meal, try our taco rice recipe.
- Seasonings: Rosemary, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and basil give the chicken rice casserole a warm, savory flavor.
- Cheese: Mozzarella adds melty, gooey richness. Freshly shredded melts best, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added flavor, texture, and nutrients.
- Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and cumin, then top with cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier, southwestern twist. For another quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal, try our salsa chicken.
- Buffalo Chicken: Toss the chicken with buffalo sauce before adding to the casserole and sprinkle with blue cheese or ranch for a spicy, tangy twist.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole
If you're looking for the best chicken and rice casserole, this recipe is creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13 baking dish.
- Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together the melted butter, chicken broth, and sour cream until smooth.
- Step 2: Add the rice, chicken, and seasonings. Stir in the long-grain rice, shredded chicken, rosemary, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 3: Bake the casserole. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Step 4: Add the cheese topping. Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Finish baking and serve. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Pair it with green beans and bacon for a simple meal.
Expert Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble the rice and chicken casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. This saves time on busy weeknights. You will need to allow a few additional minutes to bake.
- Use Day-Old or Cooked Chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken makes the dish quicker and ensures the meat stays tender. Avoid using raw chicken in this recipe.
- Prevent Mushy Rice: Make sure to measure the rice and liquid accurately and don't over-stir before baking. Covering with foil helps the rice cook evenly.
- Cheese Tips: Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but it may not be quite as gooey.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this cheesy rice and chicken casserole for a weeknight dinner with our cucumber tomato salad and some quick & easy breadsticks for a complete meal.
- It's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Pair it with our bruschetta pasta salad and brioche dinner rolls.
- This casserole also works well for lunch leftovers; reheat with a small side salad for a quick, satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQs
For best results, use cooked or rotisserie chicken. Adding raw chicken would require a longer bake time and may dry out the rice.
Measure the liquid carefully and avoid over-stirring the rice before baking. Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps the rice cook evenly without excess moisture.
Long-grain rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and the grains remain separate after baking. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, which can become mushy.
More Delicious and Easy Casserole Recipes
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Chicken and Rice Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie or cooked chicken diced or shredded
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together butter, chicken broth, and sour cream. Then add rice, chicken, rosemary, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, basil, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and use a fork to fluff and mix the rice, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the rice is tender.
- Let rest for 10 minutes and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and keep the meat tender.
- Measure the rice and liquid carefully, stir gently, and cover with foil to prevent mushy rice.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly on top for a golden, melty finish.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes after baking to set the rice.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
So simple to make and yummy!