![To make this easy chicken and rice casserole, you will need the following: - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn blend) - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if you need to. Here are a few ideas: - Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. - Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if you prefer. - Change the cheese to mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor. - Replace chicken with cooked turkey or tofu for a vegetarian dish. - Use fresh veggies instead of frozen if you have them on hand. Choosing fresh ingredients can make your dish even better. Here are some tips: - For chicken, look for meat that is pink and firm with no bad smell. - Choose rice that is dry and free of any holes or discoloration. - Select fresh vegetables that are bright in color and firm to the touch. - When buying cheese, opt for blocks over pre-shredded for better melting. - Always check the expiration dates on canned goods like soup. With these ingredients and tips, you can create a tasty chicken and rice casserole. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 2 cups cooked white rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley for garnish Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step makes sure your casserole cooks evenly. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, frozen veggies, and chicken broth. Mix everything well until all ingredients blend together. Now, add the cooked chicken from the skillet into this mixture. Gently stir until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout. Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly to help it cook uniformly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top. When done, take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, simple and satisfying! To get the best texture in your casserole, use cooked white rice. This rice stays fluffy and absorbs flavors well. If you use raw rice, it may become mushy. Always sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked. This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Mixing in the cheese at the right time melts it perfectly. Add garlic powder and onion powder for depth. These spices boost the savory notes in your dish. A pinch of salt and fresh black pepper brings everything together. You can try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra kick. For a creamy touch, use cream of mushroom soup, which adds richness and flavor. Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Dice the chicken and chop veggies the night before. This makes cooking faster. Use frozen mixed vegetables to save time on chopping. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick use. This way, your casserole comes together in no time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without a lot of fuss. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. This adds flavor and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade or store-bought vegetarian option. You can also add more cheese or use plant-based cheese for a rich taste. If you like heat, add spices to kick up the flavor. Try mixing in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken for a bold twist. A dash of hot sauce in the mix gives it an extra kick. Just remember to adjust the other seasonings so they balance out the heat. You can easily change the protein in this dish. Use diced turkey or cooked shrimp for a different taste. If you want a plant-based option, chickpeas or lentils work well too. These swaps keep the dish filling and tasty. Just ensure your substitutes are cooked before mixing them in. For added flavor, marinate the proteins ahead of time. These variations make the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole fun and adaptable. Explore these ideas and enjoy your cooking journey! For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Chicken Rice Delight . Once you finish your meal, cool the casserole to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Make sure the casserole cools completely first. Then, cut it into portions for easy reheating. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Label your packages with the date. To reheat, simply take out a portion from the fridge or freezer. If it's frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave for faster results. Just heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your cheesy chicken rice delight again! For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. Homemade chicken and rice casserole can last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It will stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer if wrapped well. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When ready, simply bake it as directed. This saves time on busy nights. Several side dishes go well with chicken and rice casserole. Here are a few ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Roasted carrots or zucchini - Garlic bread for some crunch Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check your chicken broth for gluten. These swaps keep the flavors strong without gluten. You can use brown rice, but it requires some changes. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might need to pre-cook it for about 20-25 minutes before adding it to the casserole. This helps ensure everything cooks evenly in the oven. For the full recipe, check the instructions above. In this post, we explored the key ingredients for chicken and rice casserole. We covered how to pick fresh items, make substitutions, and follow clear steps to cook it right. Tips and variations made the meal adaptable for everyone. Lastly, we discussed storage and answered common questions. I hope you feel ready to make a delicious casserole packed with flavor. Enjoy your cooking!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e35371e0-4269-4e73-b740-661275c23c0d-250x250.webp)
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Savor the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Chicken Rice Delight! This creamy casserole is packed with tender chicken, mixed veggies, and sharp cheddar cheese, making it a perfect family meal. Ready in under an hour, it's easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and indulge in this cheesy goodness tonight. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!