If you’re looking for a comforting, downright delicious dinner that comes together with minimal fuss, then you’ve got to try this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those cozy meals I turn to when I want something that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, this casserole always hits the spot and impresses even the pickiest eaters in my family. Stick with me and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this comforting classic!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: Uses just a handful of pantry staples and rotisserie chicken to get dinner on the table fast.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with warming flavors that make everyone ask for seconds.
Family Favorite: My kids and guests both love this one—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies, seasonings, or cheese types to suit your taste.

A close-up image of a bowl filled with creamy cheesy rice mixed with green peas, yellow corn, and small pieces of shredded chicken. The dish has a soft texture with melted orange cheese spread unevenly over the top and throughout the mix. Some black pepper is sprinkled lightly on the surface. There is a golden fork resting on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, chicken and rice casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy comfort food casserole, homemade chicken casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

When you peek at this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe’s ingredients, everything’s approachable and straightforward. Each component works together to create that creamy, cheesy texture and hearty flavor you crave.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked Minute Rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl holding shredded rotisserie chicken, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant frozen mixed vegetables including carrots and peas, a small white ceramic bowl with bright chopped scallions, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning leaves, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, chicken and rice casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy comfort food casserole, homemade chicken casserole

Condensed cream of chicken soup: The magic binder that creates creamy richness without extra effort.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the flavor and keeps the rice moist as it cooks.
Minute Rice: I love using Minute Rice here because it cooks evenly in the oven and absorbs all the creamy flavors.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works like a charm—already cooked, juicy, and shredded for convenience.
Frozen mixed vegetables: An easy way to sneak in some nutrition, and they cook perfectly in the casserole.
Garlic powder: Offers that subtle savory kick without overpowering.
Onion powder: A key flavor enhancer that blends seamlessly into the mix.
Italian seasoning: Adds an herby, aromatic touch that livens the dish.
Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little punch—adjust to your liking.
Chopped scallions: For freshness and a mild onion flavor that brightens the casserole.
Grated cheddar cheese: This casserole’s star—gooey, melty, and packed with flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this cheesy chicken and rice casserole recipe is so easy to tweak depending on what you have on hand or your mood. Over time, I’ve played around with a few swaps that downright elevate the meal or cater to different diets.

Use cream of mushroom soup: Gives the casserole an earthier flavor—my husband swears by this version when he’s craving something heartier.
Swap vegetables: Feel free to add broccoli, peas, or even corn instead of the mixed veggies for variation and extra color.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Make it gluten-free: Just double-check your condensed soup and broth labels, and opt for gluten-free rice if needed.
Cheese variety: Mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar creates a delightful melty blend.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get your oven and ingredients ready

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and moving the rack to the middle position—this ensures even cooking and perfect melting. While it heats up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth until smooth. This combo is the secret behind the creamy sauce that soaks into the rice and chicken.

Step 2: Combine everything in the casserole dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (I love using a little cooking spray for easy cleanup). Into the dish, add the uncooked rice, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, chopped scallions, and about one cup of the cheddar cheese. Pour the soup and broth mixture over the top, then gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well coated in that creamy sauce. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

Step 3: Cover and bake until tender

This is a crucial step—cover your casserole tightly with foil or the dish’s lid. This traps steam and helps the rice cook to tender perfection in 45 minutes. Don’t peek too often or you’ll let the steam escape and risk drying it out. After baking, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, then pop it back into the oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes so that golden, bubbly cheese melts and browns just right.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cover it tight: I once skipped tightly covering the casserole, and the rice came out dry and crunchy—avoid this by sealing your dish securely.
Use rotisserie chicken: Saves tons of prep time while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful, trust me on this shortcut.
Cheese layering: I find sprinkling some cheese inside and some on top creates perfectly gooey casserole with a bubbly crust.
Don’t rush baking time: Let the casserole bake fully covered the whole 45 minutes so rice cooks through without drying out.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy casserole being scooped with a wooden spoon. The dish has multiple layers visible in the spoonful: a top layer of melted yellow cheese, underneath which is a thick, creamy mixture with visible pieces of orange carrots, green peas, and shredded white chicken mixed throughout, all combined in a soft, smooth yellowish sauce. The casserole fills a white dish, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole, chicken and rice casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy comfort food casserole, homemade chicken casserole

Garnishes

I love scattering fresh chopped parsley or extra scallions on top for a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of hot sauce adds a lovely zing if you want to mix things up. If you have cream or sour cream on hand, a small dollop on the side is a nice creamy addition.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is hearty and cheesy, I like pairing it with simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp salad to brighten the plate. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach work beautifully too. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is an easy crowd-pleaser alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins — it makes portions look elegant and allows guests to grab just what they want. I’ve also topped with crispy fried onions for added texture, giving the dish a welcoming crunch that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let it cool completely before covering so it retains its creamy texture and doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it stores for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your leftover portion in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through (about 20 minutes). This keeps it creamy without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, I’ve also reheated it gently in the microwave—just watch the cheese doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice instead of Minute Rice in this casserole?

You can, but keep in mind fresh, uncooked rice usually needs more liquid and a longer bake time to cook through properly. Minute Rice is ideal here because it cooks evenly with the soup and broth in the oven. If using regular rice, I’d recommend cooking it partially first or adjusting liquid amounts carefully.
Is it okay to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready. Just add a little extra baking time if it’s straight from the cold oven. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
Can I substitute the frozen mixed vegetables?

Definitely. Feel free to swap in any veggies you prefer or have on hand—broccoli florets, peas, carrots, or even diced bell peppers work wonderfully. Just keep them frozen or partially thawed before mixing to ensure even cooking.
What type of cheese works best in this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and has great flavor. But don’t be afraid to mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack if you want a bit of spice. Just choose cheeses that melt well for that gooey, irresistible texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food gold. I absolutely love how creamy and satisfying it turns out every single time, and how I can whip it up with little prep. It’s become a staple in my home, especially for easy weeknight dinners or when feeding a crowd with minimal stress. I’m confident you’ll enjoy this recipe just as much as I do—give it a try, and get ready for your kitchen to smell amazing and your family to ask for seconds!