Get ready to meet your new weeknight dinner hero. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is the absolute easiest way to get a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort. We’re talking no pre-cooking, no boiling rice, just pure dump, bake, and enjoy convenience. You simply combine uncooked rice, tender chicken, and a creamy Alfredo sauce in one dish and let the oven do all the work. It’s a family-friendly dish that delivers that comforting, cheesy flavor you crave without any of the fuss.
Why This Dump-and-Bake Recipe Works So Well
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and perfectly balanced ingredients. By using the right ratio of liquid to uncooked long-grain rice, everything cooks together in the oven, creating a beautifully cohesive dish. The rice becomes tender and infused with the savory flavors of the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth, while the chicken cooks to juicy perfection. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary shortcut to a delicious, home-cooked meal.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole
The beauty of this dish is its short and accessible ingredient list. No fancy components here—just simple pantry staples that come together for a spectacular meal.
For the Casserole Base
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is tender throughout.
Long-Grain White Rice: It is crucial to use long-grain white rice. Do not substitute with instant, brown, or specialty rice as it will absorb liquid differently and affect the final texture.
Jarred Alfredo Sauce: A quality store-bought Alfredo sauce is your best friend here. It provides the creamy base and rich, cheesy flavor.
Chicken Broth: This provides the necessary liquid to cook the rice perfectly. Use a low-sodium version to control the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add a foundational layer of savory, aromatic flavor that complements the Alfredo sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste. Remember that the sauce and broth contain salt, so season accordingly.
Cheese Topping
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic, stretchy, golden-brown cheese pull.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. For a similar cheesy delight, check out our Boursin Chicken Recipe.
A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’re just a few simple steps away from cheesy, creamy perfection. Follow these instructions closely for the best results.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, jarred Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Next, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and stir again to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is a critical step, as it traps the steam needed to cook the rice and chicken thoroughly. Bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir the contents well. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown on top. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up and makes it easier to serve.
Look at that creamy, dreamy texture!
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Casserole
For a truly foolproof Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole, keep these tips in mind. Using freshly shredded cheese from a block will melt much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Also, ensure your baking dish is covered tightly with foil to trap all the steam—this is the secret to perfectly cooked rice. If you’re looking for another comforting casserole, our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a fantastic choice.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add about 1-2 cups of frozen broccoli florets or a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the initial mixing step for a boost of veggies. For a smoky flavor, add some cooked, crumbled bacon with the cheese topping. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, our Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a similar creamy texture with a kick.
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
This casserole makes for fantastic leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings or place the casserole back in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore its creaminess.
Yes, absolutely. As long as the chicken is cut into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes), it will cook through completely in the time it takes for the rice to become tender. Ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Long-grain white rice is the best choice for this recipe. It holds its shape well and absorbs the liquid at the right rate. Do not use instant, minute, or brown rice, as their cooking times and liquid requirements are very different and will result in a mushy or undercooked dish.
The key is to use the correct ratio of liquid to rice and to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil for the initial baking period. This traps steam, which cooks the rice evenly. Stirring the casserole after the initial bake also helps to ensure a consistent, creamy texture.
Yes, you can use about 2 cups of your favorite homemade Alfredo sauce. Just be aware that the thickness of homemade sauces can vary, which might slightly alter the final consistency of the casserole.
Certainly! You can easily add 1-2 cups of frozen vegetables like broccoli florets or peas. Add them along with all the other ingredients at the beginning. You can also stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach.
The Perfect One-Pan Dinner Awaits
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and delicious meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting dish that’s guaranteed to please. If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it on Pinterest! Your support helps us create more easy and delicious recipes for you.
The easiest and creamiest one-pan dinner you'll ever make!
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole (The Ultimate Creamy Recipe)
The ultimate easy weeknight meal! This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole combines uncooked rice, chicken, and jarred Alfredo sauce into a creamy, cheesy, one-pan wonder. No pre-cooking required, just pure comfort food.
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into 1-inch cubes
1.5cupslong-grain white riceuncooked
15ozjarred Alfredo sauceone standard jar
2.5cupschicken broth
1tspgarlic powder
1tsponion powder
0.5tspsaltor to taste
0.25tspblack pepperor to taste
1.5cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
0.5cupgrated Parmesan cheese
Equipment
1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
1 Aluminum Foil
Method
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In the baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Add the cubed chicken to the dish and stir to distribute it evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir. The rice should be tender.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalProtein: 40gFat: 25gFiber: 2g
Notes
Tip 1: Do not use instant or brown rice, as the liquid ratio is specifically for long-grain white rice. Tip 2: For the best melt, shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block. Tip 3: Ensure the foil is sealed tightly to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice.
Keyword chicken alfredo casserole,dump and bake,one pan dinner
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
