Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Family Favorite Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes any busy night feel just a little easier—and a whole lot tastier. It’s creamy, it’s hearty, and it delivers that cheesy goodness we all crave without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone. With ingredients you probably already have in your fridge (hello, leftover rotisserie chicken), this dish saves time and sanity on those weeknights when everything’s just a little bit chaotic.

The best part? This cheesy chicken and rice casserole brings the whole family to the table—yes, even the picky eaters who usually act like broccoli is a personal insult. It’s fast, flexible, and perfect for meal prepping. Plus, if you’re a casserole fan, you’re gonna love pairing this with other family favorites like Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole or our Broccoli Mac and Cheese. Let’s dig in, shall we?

Table of Contents

What is Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is basically a hug in a dish. Think of it as the love child of your favorite Sunday dinner and your busiest Tuesday night. It’s a warm, bubbly bake made with shredded or cubed chicken, cooked rice, creamy soup, a mix of veggies (usually broccoli), and loads of gooey cheese. You toss it all together, throw it in the oven, and before you know it—boom! Dinner is served. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade without needing a culinary degree or a million ingredients.

A staple in American kitchens for decades, it often shows up at potlucks, family dinners, and those “what do I make with all this leftover chicken?” moments. Bonus points if you toss some crispy breadcrumbs on top for a golden crunch. Whether you’re feeding a crew or prepping for leftovers, this cheesy casserole has your back.

Reasons to Try Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’ve ever stared into your fridge, wondering how to turn leftovers into something edible (and not just edible, but actually good), Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is your lifesaver. First off, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose that rotisserie chicken sitting in the fridge. It’s quick to prep, bakes in under 30 minutes, and requires just one dish—translation: minimal clean-up. It’s also totally flexible. Don’t like broccoli? Swap it out. Need a gluten-free version? Use GF cream of chicken soup.

And because it’s a casserole, it reheats like a dream. Perfect for meal prepping or packing into lunchboxes. Plus, you’re not just making dinner—you’re making something your family will actually look forward to eating. For those of us juggling work, school pickups, and a never-ending to-do list, this dish is the dependable best friend we didn’t know we needed. And yes, it freezes beautifully, too.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works wonders)
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Optional: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This step by step guide will walk you through how to make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole from scratch using simple ingredients and no-fuss techniques. Whether you’re cooking for the first time or just need a refresh, this breakdown makes it incredibly easy to follow and delicious every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Giving your oven a head start ensures that everything bakes evenly and you don’t end up with lukewarm cheese or undercooked edges. This is also a great time to grease your baking dish or give it a light spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Pro tip: A ceramic or glass dish works best for even heating. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a large 9×13″ pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for about 4–5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion turns soft and translucent and your kitchen starts to smell amazing.

This step builds a rich, savory flavor base for the casserole. Don’t rush it—letting the onions sweat draws out their natural sweetness, making the whole dish taste more homemade.

Need help with chopping garlic quickly? Check out our tips in Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole where we simplify meal prep like a pro.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can), 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup milk, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon paprika. Stir until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed.

This creamy combo is the heart of your casserole. The soup adds depth, the sour cream adds tang, and the milk helps it all blend into a velvety texture. Want a dairy-free option? Swap in coconut milk and a plant-based sour cream.

Looking for more cream-based comfort recipes? You’ll love our Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole that uses a similar technique with a Southern spin.

Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients

Grab your large baking dish and combine the cooked components:

• 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• Steamed broccoli florets (about 1 cup)
• Sautéed onions and garlic from step 2

Mix gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly combined. You want every bite to have a bit of everything—chicken, rice, veggie, and that creamy sauce.

Shortcut tip: Using rotisserie chicken? It adds extra flavor and saves time. Or try shredded turkey if you have Thanksgiving leftovers! More ideas in our Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole.

Step 5: Pour the Creamy Sauce In

Now, pour your sauce mixture from step 3 over the chicken and rice mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until every grain of rice and every floret of broccoli is coated in cheesy goodness.

This is where the casserole starts to come alive—creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly rich.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Mix It In

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture and stir gently to distribute it evenly. You’re layering in that signature cheesy flavor, which will melt beautifully into every bite as it bakes.

Want a flavor twist? Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even add a little smoked gouda if you’re feeling fancy. We also cover cheese swaps in our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Noodle Casserole.

Step 7: Top It Off

Smooth out the casserole evenly in the dish, then add your toppings:

• The remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Optional: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs for that golden, crispy crunch

The breadcrumbs are optional but highly recommended if you love a little texture. Give them a light spritz of oil or cooking spray to help them toast perfectly in the oven.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just starting to brown at the edges. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy dream, and your family will probably start hovering like cats near a tuna can.

If your top isn’t browning enough for your liking, you can broil it for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep an eye on it!

Step 9: Rest, Then Serve

Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set so your portions hold together nicely on the plate—and no one burns their tongue on molten cheese (we’ve all been there).

Pair this dish with something fresh and light, like a green salad or roasted veggies. Or cozy up with more family-style recipes from our Casserole Collection that hits all the same comfort notes.

What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole plays well with just about everything. Want a crisp contrast? A simple side salad with a zippy vinaigrette is perfect. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots bring color and crunch. Feeling nostalgic? A scoop of Green Bean Casserole or Thanksgiving Stuffing Casserole adds a cozy holiday vibe to any weeknight.

And if you’ve got carb-lovers at the table (don’t we all?), a slice of warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls will absolutely hit the spot. For kids—or the young at heart—serve it with a side of applesauce or corn on the cob. It’s versatile, so mix and match to suit whatever’s in your fridge or pantry. Just don’t forget a big spoon, because everyone will want seconds.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Let’s be real: casseroles are forgiving, but a few simple tips will take your cheesy chicken and rice casserole from “meh” to “more, please!” First, use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—it’s tender, flavorful, and already cooked. Make sure your rice isn’t mushy; leftover rice actually works best here. Don’t skip the sautéed onions and garlic—they build flavor without adding fuss. Steam your broccoli just enough to keep it vibrant (no one likes gray veggies). Want extra richness? Swap milk for half-and-half.

For a crispy top, those panko breadcrumbs are magic—just give them a quick spritz of oil before baking. And if you’re cooking ahead, assemble everything and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to a day. Then just pop it in the oven when ready. Easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasy.

Storage and Reheating Tips Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you. This cheesy chicken and rice casserole stores like a champ. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. For freezing, portion it into individual servings (or the whole thing if you’re feeding a crowd later). Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers—it’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Or pop the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes until heated through. Just skip the microwave if your topping includes breadcrumbs—you’ll lose the crunch. Oh, and pro tip? Label your freezer stash. “Mystery Casserole” doesn’t exactly scream dinner excitement.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it in.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Try using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives. It won’t be exactly the same but still creamy and satisfying.

Can I add more vegetables?
Totally. Mushrooms, red bell peppers, or peas work great here.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out when reheating?
Add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to bring back the moisture.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate dinner solution for busy households that want something cozy, satisfying, and super low-maintenance. It’s the casserole equivalent of sweatpants: comfy, classic, and always a good idea. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a fuss-free dinner that pleases the pickiest eaters, this one earns a permanent spot in the recipe rotation. If you’re craving even more comfort, check out our Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole for another hearty hit. Trust me—this is one casserole you’ll come back to again and again.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print