Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm blanket in food form. Cheesy chicken and rice casserole is cozy, familiar, and wonderfully low-stress — the kind of dinner you make when you want everyone fed and happy without juggling a million pans.
It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice, all wrapped up in a savory, lightly seasoned sauce. Then it gets topped with a generous layer of melted cheese that bubbles and turns golden at the edges. You know that quiet crackle sound when you scoop into a hot casserole and the cheese stretches just a little? That’s the moment.
This is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or anytime you want leftovers that actually feel exciting the next day.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something close in size).
This casserole is forgiving, so don’t worry if your dish is slightly larger — it’ll still bake up beautifully.
2. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir until everything is well blended. You’re aiming for a creamy, evenly mixed base where the rice and chicken are coated in that savory sauce.
3. Fold in the Cheese
Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and fold it in.
This is where the casserole starts to feel extra comforting — cheesy goodness in every scoop, not just on top.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar and the mozzarella. This is your bubbly, golden finish — the part everyone fights over.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
If you want a deeper golden top, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just keep a close eye so it doesn’t go too far.
6. Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set so it scoops nicely.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a little fresh parsley if you’re using it. That little pop of green makes it feel fresh and bright against all the creamy goodness.
Presentation
Serve this casserole straight from the dish while it’s still hot and bubbly. For a cozy, family-style look, bring the whole baking dish to the table and let everyone scoop their own.
For a prettier plate, add a sprinkle of green onions on each serving and pair it with something crisp on the side — a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or even steamed green beans. The creamy casserole + fresh veggie combo just works.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken and rice casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s quick to throw together, incredibly comforting, and always hits the spot — especially on nights when you want dinner to feel easy and satisfying.
If you’ve got leftover chicken and rice hanging around, this is your sign to turn them into something everyone will genuinely look forward to eating. Make it soon… and don’t be surprised when someone asks for seconds.