Cheesy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s something unmistakably comforting about pulling a bubbling, cheesy casserole out of the oven on a busy weeknight. This Cheesy Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole hits all the right notes—creamy richness, tender chicken, flavorful rice, and that irresistible cheese pull—without the fuss of canned soups or complicated ingredients.

Crafted especially for U.S. moms juggling work, kids, and a thousand things, this recipe was born from the need for a quick, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing dinner that warms both tummy and heart. With pantry staples and affordable items, it’s kind to your schedule and your budget. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making mealtime even easier when life gets hectic.

Whether you’re meal prepping or making something from scratch tonight, this casserole is designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters while giving you a moment of peace—and a delicious family dinner.

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Why This Casserole is a Game-Changer

One-Dish Wonder

Everything bakes in a single dish, meaning fewer pots, pans—and dishes—to wash. Less time at the sink, more time for family.

No Canned Soup Used

Ingredients you can pronounce! We’re ditching processed “cream-of” soups, using real cheese, broth, and milk to create a homemade creaminess.

Family & Picky-Eater Approved

With simple, familiar flavors and a cheesy finish, this casserole is a guaranteed kid-pleaser—and satisfying for adults too.

Freezer-Friendly for Busy Days

Assemble, freeze, or bake now—this recipe adapts to your schedule.

Pantry-Friendly & Frugal

Rice, chicken, cheese, frozen veggies—your pantry likely already has these ingredients, making dinner under $10 possible.

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Ingredients

• Protein & Veggies

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie, meal-prepped, or cooked breasts)

  • 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli)

• Grains & Creaminess

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown; see notes)

  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened milk alternative

• Cheese & Seasoning

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (or Mexican blend)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra garnish)

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, taste

• Optional Toppings

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter

  • Chopped fresh parsley

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Set the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease your casserole dish for easy cleanup.

Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, frozen veggies, garlic and onion powders, paprika, dried parsley, and half of your cheese (1 cup). Stir gently so rice doesn’t clump and veggies stay evenly distributed.

Add the Chicken

Fold in the cooked chicken, distributing it evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper—remember, cheese and broth add salt, so taste later.

Bake Covered

Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This allows the rice to cook in the creamy liquid and absorb the flavors.

Uncover and Top

Carefully remove foil. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese and optional bread crumb topping. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts, edges bubble, and breadcrumbs are toasty.

Cool and Garnish

Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor.

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Variations & Easy Swaps

Vegetarian Version

Omit chicken and replace broth with vegetable stock. Add more mixed veggies or beans for protein.

Whole-Grain Option

Swap white rice for brown rice—extend initial covered bake to 45–50 minutes, or you can partially pre-cook rice before assembling.

Extra Veggie Boost

Mix in lightly steamed broccoli florets, chopped bell pepper, or zucchini to increase veggies without affecting flavor.

Spicy Kick

Add ½ teaspoon chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the base mix.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Use dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and vegan shreds. Reduce optional bread crumbs or use gluten-free ones and a bit of olive oil.

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Meal Prep Tip: Freezer Friendly!

To Freeze Before Baking:
Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, label, and freeze. To bake, thaw overnight in fridge then bake as directed, adding ~10 minutes to covered bake.

Freeze Leftovers:
Portion cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm in oven or microwave until bubbly.

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What to Serve With It

• Baby spinach or mixed green salad with vinaigrette

• Garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus

• Crusty bread or dinner rolls

• Simple fruit salad for dessert

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store airtight for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Microwave or oven (covered at 350 °F for ~15 min) until warmed through; add splash of milk or broth if needed.

• Freezing: Up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Fiber: 2 g

Values will vary slightly based on rice type, cheese content, and chicken portions.

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Troubleshooting & FAQ

Can I use leftover rice instead of uncooked?

Yes! Reduce broth to 1 cup and skip the foil-covered bake. Mix, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake uncovered for ~20 min at 375 °F until bubbly.

My rice isn’t fully cooked—what now?

If after 35 minutes rice is not tender, keep covered and continue baking in 5-minute increments, checking doneness and moisture (add more broth if needed).

Would this work with ground chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! Brown 1 pound, drain, season, then stir into rice mixture before baking.

Can I make it spicier or more flavorful?

Yes—add cumin, paprika, chili powder, or diced jalapeño. A squeeze of lime at serving brightens the dish.

Can this be frozen after baking?

Yes—cool completely, then wrap or store airtight for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

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Why U.S. Moms Love This

• Real Ingredients: No mystery cans or artificial fillers—mom-approved.

• Kids Love It: Cheesy and familiar—a guaranteed dinner win with little fuss.

• Stress-Free Meal: Minimal steps, big rewards—ideal for busy evenings.

• Frugal & Flexible: Pantry-friendly with a whole family portion at a low cost.

• Comfort Food You Can Feel Good About: Warm, cheesy, wholesome—perfect for your family’s feel-good meals.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole is the comforting, crowd-pleasing dish you’ve been waiting for. It’s packed with real ingredients, easy to make, and ready to support your busy family life. Whether you’re cooking tonight or prepping ahead, this simple, creamy casserole is sure to become a cherished classic.

Would you like a printable recipe card for the blog or help pairing this with sides and menus? Just let me know!