Description
A simple, comforting chicken and rice casserole made with uncooked rice, tender chicken, creamy soup, and melted cheese. This easy family dinner comes together in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or using up leftover cooked chicken.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz/284 mL) cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice (basmati, jasmine, or regular)
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional) – for this version I used 1 cup of frozen mixed peas and carrots
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Stir in the uncooked rice.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and peas, if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Dot the top with the butter pieces.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil and gently stir the casserole to redistribute the rice, chicken, and peas.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use uncooked long-grain rice and do not cook it ahead of time. This recipe is designed for unrinsed rice, as the surface starch helps create a creamier casserole. If you rinse the rice, the finished texture may be slightly less creamy and more separate.
Any long-grain white rice will work, including basmati, jasmine, or regular long-grain rice.
The casserole will thicken slightly as it rests.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American