The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Family Favorite

I’ll be honest with you—I grew up in a house where dinner was whatever Mom could whip up fast before everyone scattered in different directions.

But one thing always stopped us in our tracks: a big ol’ casserole dish filled with cheesy, creamy chicken and rice. It wasn’t fancy, but it was the kind of meal that made you sit down, take a deep breath, and just enjoy the moment.

Now, I make my own version, using fresh ingredients and skipping the canned stuff. It’s just as easy, but ten times better.

This dish is my go-to when I want something warm, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing—especially picky eaters!

Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Rice Choice: White rice cooks faster, but brown rice adds fiber—just add 10 more minutes to the baking time.
• Cheese Matters: A mix of sharp cheddar and Parmesan gives this casserole the best balance of creaminess and deep, nutty flavor.
• Extra Veggies? Stir in frozen peas, chopped zucchini, or spinach before baking to add even more nutrients.
• Rotisserie Chicken Hack: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it—quick and easy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free? Use unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free cheese.
• Gluten-Free? Skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free panko.
• Spicy Kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread. It also pairs well with roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Print Recipe

A comforting and cheesy casserole made with real, fresh ingredients—no canned soups needed. Perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds great depth)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Crunchy Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and broccoli, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar and the Parmesan cheese. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Make the Topping

Mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle this over the casserole for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This gives everything time to settle and makes scooping easier.

Notes

Easily customizable with different veggies and proteins. Freezes well for meal planning.

• Author: Harper Jessica
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1 ½ cups)
• Calories: ~450
• Sugar: ~5g
• Sodium: ~680mg
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~7g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~30g
• Cholesterol: ~80mg