Easy Homemade Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy chicken rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety sauce blend together in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Every forkful brings warmth and nostalge to the dinner table.

The casserole combines simple ingredients that create something truly magical.

Home cooks love how easily this dish comes together with minimal prep time.

Seasoned with herbs and baked to golden perfection, this casserole transforms ordinary weeknight meals into something special.

You’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your regular meal rotation.

Cozy One-Dish Meal What Makes It Great

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a single-pan wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces dish-washing time.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combine protein-rich chicken, wholesome vegetables, and creamy dairy for a balanced, satisfying meal.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its hearty and flavorful profile.
• Adaptable Ingredients: Easily swap proteins or vegetables to match dietary preferences or pantry availability.

Ingredients in Cozy One-Dish Meal

• Chicken: A hearty protein that provides substance and flavor to the one-dish meal.

• White Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that serves as the foundation of the dish.

• Milk, Cream Cheese, Yogurt: These ingredients create a rich and creamy texture for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese flavor to the top and throughout the dish.

• Onion, Mushrooms: Provide depth of flavor and earthy undertones to the casserole.
• Butter: Helps sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the dish.

• Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor for cooking the rice and binding the ingredients.

• Mixed Vegetables: Add color, nutrition, and variety to the one-dish meal.

Steps for One-Dish Meal Success

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

• Diced onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Herbs and spices

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

The onions should turn translucent and the mushrooms will release their delicious moisture.

Step 3: Cook Perfect Rice

In the same skillet, lightly toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.

Pour in chicken broth, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes.

After cooking, let the rice rest for an additional 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Creamy Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Mixed vegetables
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Plain yogurt
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until all ingredients are well combined and create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the rice and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a golden, melty finish.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crispy, bubbly top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve hot and watch as everyone enjoys this comforting, one-dish meal that brings warmth and happiness to the table.

Pro Tips for Easy One-Dish Meals

• Toast rice before cooking to enhance its nutty, rich taste and improve overall dish texture.
• Pat vegetables dry before adding to prevent excess moisture and maintain a crisp, appetizing consistency.
• Let cheese rest at room temperature before sprinkling to ensure smooth, even melting and better coverage.
• Use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein, or substitute with sour cream for similar tang.
• Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help ingredients set and flavors meld together perfectly.

Variations for One-Dish Meal Fans

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Casserole: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, select low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add roasted red peppers, swap cheddar for feta cheese, include fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Cozy One-Dish Meals

• Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve this hearty dish alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness.
• Protein Power-Up: Sprinkle extra grilled chicken strips or sliced almonds on top for added protein and delightful crunch.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions to brighten flavors and add a pop of color to the casserole.
• Side Kick Suggestion: Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to complete the nutritious meal.

Storing One-Dish Meal for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package meal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Will keep quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add splash of broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in oven at 350F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Can assemble entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Add extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from cold state.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dish nutritious?

This one-dish meal packs protein from chicken, calcium from dairy, and complex carbohydrates from rice, providing a balanced nutrition profile with vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.

• Can I use different types of protein?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, shredded beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version while maintaining the recipe’s core flavor structure.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses common pantry ingredients like rice, chicken, vegetables, and standard dairy products, making it an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This recipe is beginner-friendly with straightforward steps, minimal specialized techniques, and basic cooking skills required. The one-dish method simplifies the cooking process and reduces cleanup.

Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken rice casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with savory chicken and tender rice. Warm, cheesy layers create a satisfying meal that feels like a delicious hug on your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 4 ounces cream cheese

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups milk
• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 0.25 cup minced onion
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Cooking Base:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2.5 cups chicken broth
• 1.25 cups white rice, uncooked

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms with selected herbs until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Gently toast the rice in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes, then pour in broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb liquid, then let it rest for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Combine cooked rice with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, milk, cream cheese, yogurt, and a portion of cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Enhance rice texture by toasting it briefly before cooking, which releases nutty flavors and prevents clumping.
• Swap dairy ingredients for dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, coconut yogurt, and vegan cheese to create a lactose-free version.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian and vegan adaptations.
• Control moisture levels by draining vegetables thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and maintain a creamy, rich casserole texture.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg