Description

This Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, one-dish meal perfect for family dinners that yields a creamy, flavorful casserole with a crispy cheese topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup long grain white rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables

1 cup frozen peas
1 cup sliced carrots
1 small onion, diced (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup frozen corn
½ cup sliced mushrooms

Seasonings and Others

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons butter
Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the casserole.
Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to integrate all ingredients.
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold the shredded cooked chicken, sliced carrots, frozen peas, frozen corn, sliced mushrooms, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the rice mixture. Stir gently until evenly combined.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the liquid, and flavors to meld.
Broil for a Golden Crust (Optional): After baking, remove the foil and switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil the casserole for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly to create a delicious crust.
Rest and Garnish: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added freshness and color.

Notes

If desired, sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking to add extra crunch.
You may substitute frozen vegetables with fresh ones; adjust cooking time if needed.
Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Ensure the chicken is well shredded to evenly distribute in the casserole.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the oven and rice type.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, baked chicken recipe, comfort food, one dish meal, family dinner