This all-in-one creamy casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and veggies in a rich, savory sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
🧰 Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Foil
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Large spoon or spatula
📝 Ingredients
Base:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom or celery)
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Topping (optional but tasty):
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional)
🧀 Ingredient Notes
- Rice: Use long-grain white rice. Brown rice requires longer cooking and more liquid.
- Soup Substitute: You can make homemade condensed soup if you prefer no canned foods.
- Veggies: Fresh or frozen both work — no need to thaw frozen vegetables.
- Cheese: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra meltiness.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble:
In your 9×13 baking dish, combine:
- Uncooked rice
- Cooked chicken
- Mixed vegetables
- Chopped onion (if using)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Pour the soup mixture over everything and stir to combine evenly.
4. Cover and Bake:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Add Topping & Final Bake:
Remove foil, sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top.
Optional: Mix crushed crackers/breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese.
Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Rest & Serve:
Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. — serves 6–8)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Hearty, creamy, and totally satisfying!
💡 Tips and Variations
Tips:
- If rice isn’t fully cooked, add ¼ cup broth and bake covered for 10 more minutes.
- Want it creamier? Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully — perfect for lunches!
Variations:
- Low-carb: Replace rice with cooked cauliflower rice (reduce liquid slightly).
- Spicy kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
