Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole (The Ultimate Warm Comfort Food)

Introduction

Few dishes deliver quite like a bubbly, golden-topped Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole when you’re craving warm comfort food. This classic casserole marries tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice in every bite, providing a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday suppers, or potluck dinners where hearty and delicious is a must.

What Sets This Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Apart

The secret to this casserole’s magic is the irresistible blend of gooey cheese, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked rice—all layered together and baked until hot and bubbling. Each forkful brings a balance of creamy sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and a perfectly golden cheese crust, making it pure comfort in every bite. This recipe also stands out for how adaptable it is: you can make it ahead, freeze it, or scale it up for a crowd.

Preparing Your Ingredients with Ease

Start by chopping onions, bell peppers, and any added veggies using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform pieces with zero hassle. For shredding freshly cooked chicken, the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen speeds prep and ensures bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.

For the rice base, use precooked rice or quickly whip some up in the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker. This step can save you time and guarantee perfect fluffy results every time.

Assembling the Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole

In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, and cheese sauce until well combined. For that ultra-melty cheese topping and perfect bake, transfer your mixture to a casserole dish lined with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This ensures easy release and cleanup when serving those gooey layers.

Sprinkle more shredded cheese on top and bake until the edges are bubbling and the top is irresistibly golden.

Serving and Storing Your Casserole

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so the cheesy layers set. Slice into generous portions and serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies.

If you have leftovers, portion them into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. These keep your casserole fresh—and make reheating a breeze for delicious lunches or weeknight dinners.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This casserole generally serves 6 portions, with each hearty serving averaging 450–500 calories. Nutritional content may vary depending on the cheese, rice, and additional ingredients. It’s loaded with protein and satisfying carbs, making it a wholesome one-pan dish.

Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole (Recap)

With its creamy cheese, perfectly cooked rice, and succulent chicken, this casserole is the epitome of warm comfort food. Its foolproof process and classic flavors make it a reliable staple for family dinners and gatherings alike.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to finely chop the onion and bell pepper, if using. Sauté them in a pan until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken (use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen), cooked rice (prepared in the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker), sautéed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, peas & carrots (if using), and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully mixed.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with an additional 1/2 cup (or more) shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
6. Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Enjoy the melty, savory goodness of this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole whenever you need a meal that soothes and satisfies!