If you’re looking for an incredible comfort meal that practically makes itself, then you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how creamy and cheesy it turns out – it’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fuss-free yet flavorful. Once I started making this casserole, it quickly became a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share all my tips so you nail it on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Uses pantry staples and rotisserie chicken for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Comfort In A Casserole: Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken and veggies – perfect for cozy dinners.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this and it’s great for kids who love cheesy meals.
Versatile: Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies or cheeses to make it your own.

A close-up image of a bowl filled with creamy cheesy rice mixed with green peas, yellow corn, and small pieces of shredded chicken. The dish has a soft texture with melted orange cheese spread unevenly over the top and throughout the mix. Some black pepper is sprinkled lightly on the surface. There is a golden fork resting on the right side inside the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Rice Casserole, Chicken Rice Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, quick weeknight dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is how well these ingredients come together. You’ve got creamy soup, hearty chicken, comforting rice, and melty cheese all mingling with a mix of spices and veggies to give it a perfect balance. A quick tip: using Minute Rice here keeps the prep fast, but you can use regular white rice if needed—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked Minute Rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl holding shredded rotisserie chicken, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant frozen mixed vegetables including carrots and peas, a small white ceramic bowl with bright chopped scallions, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with Italian seasoning leaves, and a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Rice Casserole, Chicken Rice Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, quick weeknight dinner

Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base that brings everything together. Swap for cream of mushroom if you want a different twist.
Chicken broth: Adds extra moisture and depth. Using low-sodium broth lets you control saltiness better.
Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice saves tons of time but regular rice works if you watch the bake time.
Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s juicy and easy—plus saves lots of chopping time.
Frozen mixed vegetables: A handy shortcut to add color and nutrition—carrots, peas, and corn work beautifully here.
Garlic powder: For a mellow, savory kick without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the casserole.
Pepper: Freshly ground is best for a little edge.
Chopped scallions: A fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a nice pop.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor and that irresistible melty texture—feel free to mix with mozzarella for extra stretch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to lighten it up, boost the veggies, or level up the cheese, there’s room for all kinds of tweaks. Let your kitchen creativity shine!

Vegetable swaps: I once swapped frozen broccoli and bell peppers for the mixed veggies, and the casserole tasted amazing with a bit more crunch.
Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free twist — it still turns out surprisingly creamy.
Extra cheesy: Sometimes I add a mix of Monterey Jack and smoked gouda along with cheddar for a richer, smoky flavor.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapenos at mix-in gives it a fun, subtle heat that my family totally loved.

How to Make Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Creamy Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and moving that rack to the middle position—this ensures even cooking. Then, in a bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and combined. This is your luscious sauce that’ll soak into the rice and chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Your Casserole Ingredients in the Dish

Grease your 9×13 casserole dish lightly with cooking spray so nothing sticks (I love using Pam for this). Add the uncooked Minute Rice, cooked chicken pieces, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper to taste, chopped scallions, and one cup of your grated cheddar cheese. Pour the soup and broth mixture over everything, then toss gently with a spoon or spatula until every bite is coated thoroughly. Finally, smooth the top to an even layer—that’s the secret to a uniform bake and creamy texture.

Step 3: Bake Covered—Patience is Key!

Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid (this is super important so the rice cooks properly instead of drying out). Bake it for 45 minutes at 375°F. The steam trapped inside works like magic to cook the rice and infuse flavor into every corner.

Step 4: Uncover and Cheese It Up

After 45 minutes, carefully take the casserole out and remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar evenly on top, then pop it back in the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt beautifully and maybe even get those golden brown spots that make it irresistible. Also, check that the rice is tender and creamy before pulling it out.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: I discovered this shortcut after many dinners—pre-cooked chicken saves so much time and adds great flavor.
Don’t Skip Covering: Covering your casserole is crucial for cooking the rice evenly and keeping the casserole moist and creamy.
Cheese Layering: Adding some cheese inside and reserving some for the top gives you flavor throughout and a gorgeous melted crust.
Watch the Bake Time: Check that the rice is tender before removing the casserole from the oven—if it needs more time, add a splash of broth and bake a bit longer.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a creamy, cheesy casserole being scooped with a wooden spoon. The dish has multiple layers visible in the spoonful: a top layer of melted yellow cheese, underneath which is a thick, creamy mixture with visible pieces of orange carrots, green peas, and shredded white chicken mixed throughout, all combined in a soft, smooth yellowish sauce. The casserole fills a white dish, and the background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Rice Casserole, Chicken Rice Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, quick weeknight dinner

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra scallions on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a few dashes of hot sauce spice things up nicely if you’re into that.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some simple garlic roasted asparagus to add freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personalized touch, or topped portions with extra herbs and crispy bacon bits to impress guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay creamy and delicious for up to 3 days. I’ve found the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I usually freeze individual portions for quick lunches or dinners—just wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I thaw leftovers overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying. Ten to fifteen minutes usually does the trick. You can finish uncovered for a few minutes if you want to refresh that cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh veggies like diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers can be used—just steam or sauté them lightly first so they cook fully during baking. Frozen veggies work great for convenience, but fresh adds more texture.
What kind of rice works best in this casserole?

Minute Rice is perfect for speedy weeknight meals because it cooks quickly in the casserole. If you use regular white rice, you’ll need to adjust baking time and add extra liquid to ensure it’s fully cooked and creamy.
Can I make this Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check your broth’s label. Most other ingredients like rice and chicken are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for fully cooked, tender rice (it should be soft and creamy) and melted cheese on top. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe chicken consumption, especially if you’re using freshly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—it’s easy enough for any night, yet satisfying enough to feed a crowd. I often make it when I don’t have much time but want to impress my family with comfort food they love. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your cooking rotation!