Some nights, I just need a comforting meal that doesn’t require much effort—something I can throw together and let the oven do all the work. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole has become a go-to dinner in my kitchen. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but my appetite is not.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole hits all the marks when I’m looking for something hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
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One-Pan Simplicity – Everything bakes together in one dish, which means less cleanup for me later.
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Rich, Creamy Texture – The blend of soup, milk, and cheese creates an ultra-comforting bite every time.
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Customizable to My Taste – I love tossing in mushrooms, peas, or broccoli for a veggie boost.
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Picky-Eater Approved – Even the kids happily clean their plates.
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Great for Leftovers – It tastes even better the next day, which makes it a winner in my book.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 thick-cut pieces)
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White rice (1 1/2 cups)
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Cream of mushroom soup (1 1/2 cans)
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Water (3/4 cup)
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Milk (2 1/2 cups)
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Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)
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Onion soup mix (1 packet)
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Paprika (1/3 teaspoon)
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Parsley (1 teaspoon)
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Optional Add-Ons:
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Vegetables (mushrooms, peas, or broccoli)
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Garlic powder
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Parmesan cheese
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Crushed crackers or bread crumbs (for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, I whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix until smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Rice
I spread the uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish, then pour the soup mixture over it, letting it settle evenly.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Season
Next, I lay the chicken breasts on top, pressing them down slightly into the mixture. I season them with paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional extras I’m using.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
I cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish
After checking the rice for tenderness, I sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. A sprinkle of parsley on top adds a fresh finish.
Servings and timing
This casserole serves 6 people generously.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
I love switching things up based on what I have on hand:
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Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
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Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken for a different base flavor.
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Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese in place of cheddar.
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Add a crunchy topping like crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for texture.
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Use brown rice (just be sure to increase baking time by 15-20 minutes).
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: I freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: I reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, I often use pre-cooked chicken when I have leftovers. Just reduce the baking time slightly since the chicken doesn’t need to cook through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake.
Can I use wild rice?
I can, but I make sure to par-cook it first since wild rice takes longer to soften than white rice.
Why was my dish too watery?
This can happen if the foil isn’t sealed tightly. I make sure the dish is well-covered so the rice absorbs the liquid. Also, I check my measurements to avoid too much liquid.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! I cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It turns out just as creamy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is one of those dependable recipes I keep coming back to. It’s cozy, flavorful, and doesn’t demand much of my time or energy. Whether I’m feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some comfort food, this dish always delivers. I hope it finds a place in your weekly rotation like it has in mine!
