Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

Comfort Food Magic: Easy Chicken Rice Casserole

Looking for a warm and filling meal that the whole family will love? This Chicken Rice Casserole is just the thing. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness, all baked into a warm, comforting casserole. Whether you’re feeding many or just a few, this recipe meets everyone’s needs.

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Rice Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. It’s a one-dish meal that is easy to prep and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. You can use leftover chicken, which makes it a great way to reduce food waste. This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your choice of spices or vegetables.

Besides its practical aspects, this casserole is satisfying and creamy, making it a go-to comfort food. It brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. If you need a recipe that is both delicious and straightforward, look no further.

How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole

Creating the Chicken Rice Casserole is an easy process that anyone can follow, even beginner cooks. Just a few steps and you will have a dish that is sure to impress your family.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful Chicken Rice Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares the oven to cook the casserole evenly.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix everything together. Make sure there are no clumps.

3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. It is important to grease the dish to prevent sticking.

4. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. Covering the dish helps it cook evenly without drying out.

5. Add the Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

6. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This step gives a nice cheese crust on top that everyone loves.

7. Rest Before Serving: Once it’s done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole

Serving Chicken Rice Casserole is straightforward, and it pairs well with various sides. You can serve it as it is for a fulfilling one-dish meal. If you want to add something fresh, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables.

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon on top when serving. This adds a nice contrast and enhances the flavors even more. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness.

How to Store Chicken Rice Casserole

If you have leftovers, Chicken Rice Casserole stores well. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool down before storing. Place the leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3 to 4 days.

• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil after it has cooled. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Chicken Rice Casserole

1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using up any leftover chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

2. Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli. Just mix them in with the other ingredients.

3. Adjust Seasoning: If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.

4. Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is delightful, you can try different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist on the classic recipe.

Variation

Feel free to modify the recipe to suit your taste. If you are looking to make it more nutritious, consider adding cooked spinach or even diced bell peppers into the mix. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup with another variety, such as cream of celery soup if you prefer. The key is to make it your own!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. However, remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the baking time and add a bit more liquid to the mix.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Just note that you might need to adjust the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.

Can I add other proteins to this casserole?

Yes! You can mix in cooked sausage or ground turkey for variety. Experimenting with proteins can create new flavor profiles that you may enjoy.

What can I serve as a side dish to go with this casserole?

A light salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies complement the casserole perfectly. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal.

With this Chicken Rice Casserole recipe, you’re on your way to a delicious, comforting meal that everyone at your table will enjoy. Dive into the delicious layers of flavor and make this delightful dish soon!

Chicken Rice Casserole

A warm and filling Chicken Rice Casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness, perfect for family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice Make sure to use long-grain rice for best results.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup You can swap for another variety if preferred.
• 1 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
• 1/2 cup milk Use whole or low-fat milk.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix everything together, ensuring no clumps.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
2. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.