This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce, it’s a family favorite that never disappoints.
I love how this casserole makes dinner a breeze—just mix everything in one dish and let the oven do the work. You might even want to double the recipe for leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped chicken adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken from another meal. If you’re vegetarian, consider using cooked lentils or chickpeas instead for a hearty alternative.
Long-grain White Rice: Long-grain rice cooks evenly, but you could substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor. Just remember that different grains may require adjustments to the cooking time and liquid amounts.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, go for low-sodium chicken broth. For a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works just as well!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives creaminess to the casserole. You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or opt for cream of chicken if you prefer. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk blended with mushrooms.
Mushrooms: Fresh or canned mushrooms add flavor and texture. If you don’t have any, celery or bell peppers can work as a substitute, giving a different but tasty crunch. I often switch this up depending on what’s in my fridge!
How Can I Ensure the Rice is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the rice just right is crucial for a successful casserole. Follow these tips to avoid undercooked or mushy rice:
- Ensure you mix everything well so the rice gets enough moisture from the broth and soup.
- Use the right size casserole dish; a 9×13 inch dish allows the rice to cook evenly.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil during the first baking phase to trap steam; this helps cook the rice through.
- After removing the foil, keep an eye on it. The exposed top adds a nice golden color to the cheese and keeps the rice fluffy.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Rice Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake. In total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this comforting dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole bakes perfectly and evenly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, chopped mushrooms, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This will be the hearty filling for your casserole!
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a bit of cooking spray or butter. Pour the mixture from the bowl into the dish and spread it out evenly. If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top to give it a delicious gooey finish.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. This helps the rice cook and flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Uncover and Finish Baking:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the rice is fully cooked. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set a bit and makes serving easier. Before you plate it up, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the casserole warm and make sure each portion gets a nice mix of chicken and rice. Enjoy your comforting meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! If you choose to use brown rice, you’ll need to adjust the baking time and increase the liquid. Brown rice usually takes longer to cook; so, you’ll want to bake it for about 1 hour covered, then check for doneness before removing the foil and continuing to bake as directed.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version using milk, butter, and flour with mushrooms sautéed. Just ensure the mixture is smooth before adding it to the casserole.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or microwave it for a quicker option, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic for added depth before mixing everything together.
