Name: One-Pot Chicken Rice Comfort Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

This one-pot chicken rice comfort casserole is the kind of meal that turns busy weeknights into moments of comfort. It’s creamy, filling, and made with pantry ingredients, making it both convenient and satisfying. You only need one dish, so cleanup is quick. This recipe is especially great for families who need dinner on the table without a lot of fuss.

The rice soaks up all the savory flavor from the chicken, and the result is a warm, hearty casserole that’s ready to serve straight from the oven. Add vegetables, swap out proteins, or change up the seasoning, this dish welcomes creativity. Whether it’s your first time making a chicken and rice casserole or you’re looking for something new, this version keeps it easy, cozy, and worth repeating.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken Dinner

Made entirely in one dish for easy cleanup
Creamy texture with perfectly baked rice and juicy chicken
Works with pantry staples and frozen ingredients
Flexible enough for swaps and customizations
A great choice for a quick, family-friendly meal

One-Pot Chicken Rice Comfort Casserole Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Use fresh parsley for a bright finish and cheese for added richness. Feel free to switch out vegetables or seasoning based on what’s in your pantry.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Rice Comfort Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
In the prepared baking dish, combine sautéed onions and garlic, rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Stir in frozen peas and carrots. Nestle chicken chunks evenly into the rice mixture.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

This casserole bakes evenly and comes out creamy and flavorful. It pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.

Try this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake for a quicker, 30-minute variation using minimal ingredients.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Chicken Rice Comfort Casserole

This cozy comfort meal stands on its own, but you can round it out with fresh additions:

Serve with a side of sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli
A cold cucumber salad or coleslaw adds crunch and freshness
Add a slice of garlic toast or a warm dinner roll
For a light finish, serve with fruit salad or citrus wedges
Drizzle hot sauce or top with Greek yogurt for an extra layer of flavor

These sides make it easy to turn a simple casserole into a balanced and filling dinner.

Comfort Food Variations and Customization Ideas

Looking to mix things up? This recipe adapts easily to different flavors:

Swap chicken thighs for shredded rotisserie chicken
Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
Use wild rice or brown rice but increase cook time by 15–20 minutes
Try dairy-free cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter version
Spice it up with cayenne pepper or diced green chilies

Small changes like these keep the recipe fresh while still giving you the hearty base you love.

Storage and Reheating for One-Pot Chicken Dinner

Storing and reheating this casserole is simple and makes it perfect for leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying
Oven reheating: cover and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes
Always let frozen portions thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

This makes it a great candidate for weekly meal prep or freezing ahead.

For another creamy comfort meal option, visit Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Pro Tips for a Perfect Creamy Chicken Bake

To get the best results from your one-pot chicken dinner, keep these tips in mind:

Rinse your rice to avoid a gummy texture
Use warm broth to help the casserole start cooking faster
Always cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam
Don’t add cheese too early or it may burn
Let the casserole rest after baking so the rice fully absorbs moisture

These small steps create the perfect balance between creamy and hearty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Chicken and Rice Casseroles

Avoiding a few simple errors ensures your casserole turns out just right:

Using instant rice leads to mushy texture, use long-grain instead
Forgetting to cover the dish causes the rice to undercook
Overloading with broth results in soggy rice
Adding raw veggies late means they won’t soften, add at the start
Under-seasoning makes the dish bland, taste as you go

With these fixes, your casserole will hit all the right notes of texture and taste.

You might also enjoy this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust for a classic baked chicken dish

Cozy Comfort Meal Conclusion

This one-pot chicken rice comfort casserole is a dependable dinner favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that works for busy nights but still feels homemade and satisfying. The creamy rice, tender chicken, and simple preparation make it one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again. It delivers both flavor and warmth, straight from the oven to your table.

Need another family-friendly dinner idea? Try this Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken for a no-fuss set-and-forget option.

FAQs about One-Pot Chicken Rice Comfort Casserole

Can I use frozen chicken in this one-pot chicken dinner?

Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before baking. This prevents excess moisture and ensures even cooking.

What’s the best type of rice for a chicken and rice casserole?

Long-grain white rice works best. It absorbs liquid without turning mushy and bakes evenly in the casserole.

Can I use precooked chicken in this comfort casserole?

Definitely. Stir it into the mixture before baking and reduce covered cook time by about 15 minutes.

How do I keep the rice from drying out in a one-pot chicken bake?

Always cover the dish tightly with foil and use the right amount of broth. Letting it rest after baking also helps.

What vegetables work best in a one-pot rice casserole?

Frozen peas and carrots are classic, but you can use chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.