Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

There are few dishes as universally loved as a warm, bubbly Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket, delivering pure comfort in every single bite. This recipe is designed to be your new go-to, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a freezer-friendly meal for a busy day. We’ve perfected the balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a golden, cheesy crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Forget the canned soups! This recipe uses a simple, from-scratch creamy cheese sauce that elevates the flavor and puts you in complete control of the ingredients. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up.

Why This Is the Best Casserole Recipe

We’re confident this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why this recipe stands out from the rest:

• Unbelievably Creamy: Our homemade cheese sauce provides a rich, velvety texture that perfectly coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is just as delicious reheated, making it an ideal choice for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
• Family-Approved Flavor: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it a reliable choice for any family meal. For more ideas, check out our list of kid-approved chicken recipes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Casserole

This recipe comes together with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole Base:

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will work.
• Rice: Cooked long-grain white rice is ideal as it holds its shape well. You can use leftover rice!
• Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives you the best flavor and melt.
• Broccoli Florets: Optional, but they add a nice color, flavor, and nutritional boost.

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• Butter: The base for our rich roux.
• All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk will yield the creamiest results.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper are all you need.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Step-by-Step

Making this creamy casserole from scratch is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli florets (if using). Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated and wonderfully creamy.

3. Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.

Tips for Casserole Success

To ensure your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is flawless, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Use rice that is fully cooked but still firm. If the rice is mushy to start, it can become too soft in the final dish.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy, gooey results, buy a block and shred it yourself.
• Let It Rest: After pulling the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set up, making it easier to serve.

Variations and Add-Ins

This casserole is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Different Veggies: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or a can of drained corn.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the cheese before baking.
• Try Other Proteins: This recipe works great with leftover turkey or even cooked sausage.

If you love this recipe’s creamy texture, be sure to try our Creamy Garlic Chicken or the equally delicious Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness beautifully. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or some delicious Garlic Butter Breadsticks.

a

Can I use leftover rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! Leftover rice is perfect for this recipe. Using chilled, previously cooked rice helps it hold its texture better during baking. Just make sure you have about 4 cups.

a

What kind of chicken is best for a chicken and rice casserole?

A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. However, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as baked chicken breasts, poached chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken.

a

Can I make this cheesy chicken and rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

a

How do I prevent my casserole from being dry?

The key to a creamy, not dry, casserole is the sauce-to-filling ratio. Our from-scratch cheese sauce provides plenty of moisture. Also, be sure not to overbake the casserole; cook it just until it’s hot and bubbly.

a

What can I add to this casserole for extra flavor or nutrition?

This recipe is very versatile! You can add sautéed onions and mushrooms, a can of drained corn, peas, or even a different blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Provolone. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor that the whole family will adore. Give it a try, and don’t forget to save your favorite version to Pinterest!

FL Recipes

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

The ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe! This easy, from-scratch version features a creamy homemade cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe WhatsApp

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets optional

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded cheese divided (combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Saucepan
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until a paste forms.
3. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli (if using). Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 35gFat: 28gFiber: 2g

Notes

Time-Saving Tip: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
Cheese Choice: For the creamiest melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that make it less smooth.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Keyword casserole recipe,cheesy chicken casserole,chicken and rice casserole

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Pin Recipe