If you’re hunting for a weeknight dinner that always delivers comfort, flavor, and crowd-pleasing power, Chicken Cheese and Rice is your answer! Imagine hearty chicken, fluffy rice, gooey cheddar, and bits of bright green broccoli, all baked in a creamy sauce until irresistibly golden and bubbly. Whether you’re feeding kids after soccer practice or gathering friends for a cozy meal, this is the kind of dish that earns you instant hero status. Easy, budget-friendly, and customizable, Chicken Cheese and Rice is destined to become your new go-to casserole recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your Chicken Cheese and Rice ingredients is a cinch — and each one pulls its weight when it comes to flavor and structure. From tender chicken to vibrant broccoli and velvety cheese, every component makes this comfort food classic shine.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked, juicy chicken works beautifully in this casserole.
- Cooked white rice: Use leftover rice if you have it, or make a fresh batch; either way, rice is the hearty backbone that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- Frozen broccoli florets (thawed): These add color, nutritional value, and a touch of freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.
- Canned condensed cream of chicken soup: This classic canned soup gives the casserole its signature creamy base and savory chicken flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness, making every bite deliciously moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Divided for both mixing in and topping, cheddar brings sharp flavor and that gooey, irresistible cheese pull.
- Milk: Just a touch is needed to loosen the sauce and help it bake up creamy, not stodgy.
- Garlic powder: This pantry staple infuses the casserole with mellow garlicky depth.
- Onion powder: Lends a sweet, subtle onion flavor without the need for chopping or sautéing.
- Black pepper: A bit of seasoning adds gentle heat and accentuates all the savory flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkle this on top right before serving for a pop of color and a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Cheese and Rice
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick grease. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup much easier! If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken and rice, and make sure the broccoli is thawed and roughly chopped if you prefer smaller bites.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cooked rice, thawed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until the mixture looks evenly distributed and wonderfully creamy. The mixture should be thick but not dry; don’t be afraid to give it a good stir so every bite of Chicken Cheese and Rice is loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Scrape the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. This step ensures every scoop will have chicken, rice, and broccoli in perfect proportion. Once it’s smooth on top, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the surface for a glorious golden crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, melty top with lightly golden cheese and a piping hot center — the unmistakable sign that your Chicken Cheese and Rice is ready for the spotlight!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle it with the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy all that creamy, cheesy, hearty goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Cheese and Rice
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic touch, but don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine! Try thinly sliced green onions, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a light drizzle of hot sauce just before serving. These simple garnishes aren’t just for looks; they provide pops of flavor and elevate your Chicken Cheese and Rice to new heights.
Side Dishes
This casserole covers all the main food groups, but I love rounding it out with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to add some crunch and freshness. For heartier appetites, consider serving fluffy dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side to mop up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Chicken Cheese and Rice can be spooned into individual ramekins for a dinner party feel or scooped into warm tortillas for cheesy burrito wraps! For potlucks, bake and serve from a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport, and watch as it disappears in minutes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cheese and Rice keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cool the casserole completely, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making leftover servings extra delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Cheese and Rice for up to 2 months. After baking, let it cool thoroughly, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or divide into freezer-safe containers for individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually 20 to 25 minutes. For single servings, microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep the sauce extra creamy. If needed, stir in a splash of milk to restore that just-baked texture!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds an earthy, nutty flavor as well as extra fiber. Just be sure your brown rice is cooked before assembling the casserole, as it takes a bit longer to cook than white rice.
Is it possible to make Chicken Cheese and Rice gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the condensed soup for a gluten-free variety or make your own with gluten-free flour, and double-check that all other ingredients (especially the cheese and seasoning blends) are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare Chicken Cheese and Rice ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try stirring in some cooked bacon pieces, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for gentle heat. You can also toss in some chopped red bell pepper or sautéed mushrooms for more color and dimension.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Of course! Steam or blanch the fresh broccoli briefly until just tender, then chop and proceed as directed. Fresh broccoli brings a lovely texture and vibrant green color to the Chicken Cheese and Rice.
Final Thoughts
I hope this easy, heartwarming Chicken Cheese and Rice finds its way into your regular dinner rotation. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy, and satisfying, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at your table. Give it a try — and don’t be surprised if it becomes your family’s new weeknight staple!
Print
Chicken Cheese and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy Chicken, Cheese, and Rice casserole that makes a perfect family meal. This easy-to-make dish is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
