Description
This Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice. It’s an easy dinner recipe that brings warmth to your table with its rich, savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks, this one-pan dish is a hearty meal the whole family will love. With simple ingredients like shredded chicken, carrots, peas, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead meal for those hectic days.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 ½ cups uncooked rice (white or brown)
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup sliced carrots
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Layer the shredded chicken, sliced carrots, and frozen peas on top. Gently press them into the mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and check if additional broth is needed.
- Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the top is golden.
- (Optional) For a crispy topping, mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner