Description
This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy mushroom soup, and cheesy goodness baked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cooks swiftly in the oven, delivering a warm, satisfying dinner that’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3–4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (thick-cut)
- 1 ½ cups white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cans cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup water
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- ⅓ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp parsley
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ons
- Vegetables – mushrooms, peas, or broccoli
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese
- Crushed crackers or bread crumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and cleanup is easy.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, water, and onion soup mix until the mixture is smooth and slightly thick, which will help keep the casserole creamy as it bakes.
- Layer the Ingredients: Evenly spread the rinsed, uncooked rice across the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Slowly pour the soup mixture over the rice, ensuring every grain is coated. Gently shake or tap the dish to help the liquid settle evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, pressing them down gently so they are partially submerged. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Add optional seasonings like garlic powder or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, keeping the chicken moist and helping the rice absorb the liquid. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully and check that the rice is tender and most liquid absorbed. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Rinse the rice before assembling to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Use good quality cheese for optimal melting and richer flavor.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to avoid runny cheese and improve texture.
- If using brown rice, increase the initial baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
- Optional add-ons like vegetables or Parmesan can customize the casserole to your taste.
- Cover casserole tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 4 days refrigerated or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, chicken and rice bake, one dish dinner, creamy chicken rice casserole, family-friendly dinner, easy casserole recipe
