Easy Chicken Rice Casserole: A Cozy Family Favorite

The aroma of a warm chicken rice casserole fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket. Imagine tender chicken mingling with fluffy rice and vibrant veggies, topped with melted cheese that stretches like a love story between each bite.

This chicken rice casserole easy recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish. Whether you’re hosting the family or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish promises to elevate your dinner table experience.

I’ll never forget the first time I served this casserole at a family gathering—everyone went back for seconds and thirds, leaving nothing but an empty dish behind!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust as needed for your crowd.

• Long-Grain Rice: I prefer using long-grain rice for its fluffiness; avoid short-grain varieties that can get sticky.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over salt levels and added flavor.

• Mixed Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are perfect here; they save time and add color to the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonderfully; use your favorite melty cheese for that gooey topping.

• Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic enhance flavors significantly; sautéing them brings out their sweetness.

• Paprika and Pepper: These spices add depth and warmth; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps with cooking the veggies while adding richness.

For the Sauce:

• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.

• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash adds complexity and enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant—about 3 minutes—until they’re translucent and aromatic.

Add Chicken & Spices: Toss diced chicken breasts into the skillet along with paprika, pepper, salt, and any other spices you enjoy. Cook until chicken turns golden brown—around 5-7 minutes—ensuring it’s cooked through.

Combine Everything!: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken mixture with long-grain rice, mixed vegetables, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheese and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy!: Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes. Serve hot straight from the dish—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Each step guides you through creating this delightful meal while keeping everything engaging and entertaining. You’ll have friends asking for your secret recipe before they even take their first bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic first for added flavor. Then, sear the chicken until golden brown before mixing in rice and broth. This sequence enhances depth and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out white rice for brown or add frozen veggies for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle cheese on top before baking for that gooey finish everyone loves.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Cooking this chicken rice casserole easy has become my little secret weapon at family gatherings. One bite always draws compliments and requests for the recipe, proving that simple can be sensational!

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great and cuts down on cooking time significantly.

Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a flavorful kick.

Print

Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of our Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole, a delightful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, promising to satisfy everyone at the table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll find this dish quickly becomes a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add diced chicken breasts along with paprika and pepper. Cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken mixture with rice, mixed vegetables, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth until well combined.
5. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes covered; then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute brown rice for white rice for added nutrition. Add fresh herbs like parsley before serving for an aromatic touch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or oven.