Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Topping – Cozy Dinner Recipe

A hearty casserole can do wonders for a dinner table. This classic chicken and rice casserole with cheesy topping is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, filling, and comes with the kind of golden, cheesy crust that disappears fast. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or looking for a reliable go-to for busy weeknights, this recipe fits the bill.

This complete guide will show you how to make the best ever chicken and rice casserole using everyday pantry staples. It includes tips, variations, common mistakes to avoid, and easy storage instructions to help you get it just right.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole

The first time this casserole appeared on the table, it was pulled from a handwritten recipe passed down on an index card. It was simple, creamy, and impossibly cheesy. The kind of dinner that fills the house with warmth and makes you pause for a second serving before the dish cools. Since then, it’s been tweaked to perfection.

Here’s why this classic is still a favorite:

• It uses ingredients you already have like rice, canned soup, and cooked chicken
• Minimal prep makes it perfect for weeknights
• It’s a one-dish wonder which means less cleanup
• The cheesy topping bakes to a golden brown crust
• You can double it for freezer meals or potlucks

It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it’s reliable, satisfying, and crowd-approved.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

This recipe uses basic pantry staples and comes together quickly. Stick with these quantities to keep the texture balanced.

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or canned, drained)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup whole milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter, diced for the topping
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the dish

Using fresh parsley as garnish adds a pop of color before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color on top.

How to Make Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Topping

This is a true one-dish meal. Just mix, dump, and bake.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, shredded chicken, both soups, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and peas if using. Stir well to mix evenly.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
4. Sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Dot with diced butter.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve warm and let it sit for 5 minutes before scooping.

Looking for a simpler version? You might also enjoy this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake for a quick stovetop alternative.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole

This dish is rich and filling, so sides can be light and fresh.

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette balances the creamy casserole. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans pair well too. If you’re feeding a crowd, a basket of soft dinner rolls or cornbread rounds out the plate nicely.

Want to dress it up a bit? A dollop of sour cream, chopped scallions, or fresh chopped parsley over each serving adds freshness and color. Hot sauce or red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick.

This casserole also works well on holiday tables or as part of a potluck spread next to something like Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust.

Best Variations for Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipes

One of the best parts of this classic is how flexible it is. Try these simple variations:

• Swap in brown rice and increase the baking time by 20 minutes
• Use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience
• Add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra greens
• Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning for bold flavor
• Make it low-carb by replacing the rice with cooked cauliflower rice

To keep things dairy-free, substitute soups and cheese with plant-based alternatives. You can also switch up the cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully.

If you like bold flavors, stir in a teaspoon of Cajun or taco seasoning to the mix.

Want another flavorful chicken option? Try this Crockpot Mississippi Chicken with a tangy twist.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Rice Casserole

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this dish. Here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay just as creamy.

Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

• In the fridge: keeps well for up to 4 days
• In the freezer: freeze up to 3 months in a sealed container

To reheat in the oven, add a splash of broth or milk, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes).

For microwave reheating, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep it from drying out.

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes Casseroles

Getting the texture and flavor just right makes all the difference. Here are the top tips for success.

• Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt than pre-bagged
• Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture during baking
• Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers settle
• Add vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini to bulk it up

Mixing the cheese into the filling as well as topping it creates gooey bites in every spoonful. For best browning, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Prefer a stove-to-table skillet meal? You’ll also like this quick Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice.

Mistakes to Avoid in Rice and Chicken Casserole Easy Dinners

It’s easy to make this casserole, but here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Using raw chicken: Always use cooked chicken to avoid undercooked meat
• Not covering while baking: Foil helps steam the rice evenly
• Not enough liquid: If using brown rice, add an extra ½ cup of broth
• Skipping seasoning: Taste can fall flat without enough spices
• Overbaking: Drys out the rice and makes the casserole hard

If using a glass dish, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent overcooking. Avoid substituting water for milk unless you’re going for a very light version.

Final Thoughts on the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

This creamy casserole has earned its place at the dinner table time and time again. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and always delivers on flavor. Whether you’re using up leftovers or prepping meals for the week ahead, this cheesy dish is a keeper.

Don’t forget to Pin this recipe and share it with friends who love an easy dinner win.

FAQs About Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Topping

Can I use canned chicken in this classic chicken and rice casserole?

Absolutely. Canned chicken is a great time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe. Drain it well and shred lightly with a fork before adding to the mixture. It pairs smoothly with the creamy base and still delivers great texture after baking.

Does the best chicken and rice casserole need cooked rice?

Not in this version. The uncooked white rice cooks directly in the creamy soup and milk mixture. Just be sure to cover the dish well during baking to trap steam, which helps soften the rice. If using brown rice, pre-cook it or add extra liquid and baking time.

How do I make easy chicken rice casserole recipes creamier?

The key is in the liquid. Using full-fat cream of mushroom or chicken soup, along with whole milk, adds richness. For an even creamier finish, you can stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese before baking. Covering the dish during most of the bake also helps prevent moisture loss.

Can I freeze leftover rotisserie chicken and rice casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes and reheats very well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil or store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist and bake until heated through.

Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheesy Topping – Cozy Dinner Recipe

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Casserole