Chicken and Rice Casserole

Want the perfect easy chicken and rice casserole recipe for dinner tonight? This cheesy homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe is exactly what you need! I love making this chicken and rice casserole because it's simple comforting and my whole family devours it. Just one pan and a few ingredients are all you need for this cozy dinner that'll become your new go-to meal.

Why This Recipe Never Fails

Every time I make this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe everyone asks for seconds. The tender chicken perfectly cooked rice and creamy cheese sauce make it pure comfort food magic. My favorite part about this homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe? Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is a breeze. It's perfect whether I'm feeding just my family or having friends over for dinner.

A Classic Made Simple

This chicken and rice casserole has been my family's favorite for years. I've tweaked this homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe to make it even easier while keeping all that classic comfort food taste. My easy chicken and rice casserole recipe gives you that made-from-scratch flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Simple Steps To Dinner Success

Let me walk you through making this delicious chicken and rice casserole right from my own kitchen:

1. Get Everything Ready: First heat your oven to 350°F. While it's heating gather all your ingredients for this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe. I like having everything measured and ready to go.
2. Prep Your Pan: For this homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
3. Mix The Base: In a large bowl combine your uncooked rice both cream soups milk water and that packet of onion soup mix. This is what makes our chicken and rice casserole base so flavorful. Stir until everything's well mixed.
4. Build Your Layers: Pour that creamy rice mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly this is key for perfect cooking. Sprinkle half your cheese over the rice mixture.
5. Add The Chicken: Lay your chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Press them down slightly so they're snug in the dish. Season them with a little extra salt and pepper if you like.
6. Cover And Bake: This is important cover the dish tightly with foil. Your easy chicken and rice casserole recipe needs this to cook properly. Pop it in the oven for about 1½ to 2 hours.
7. Check For Doneness: After about 1½ hours check if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
8. Final Touches: Once everything's cooked remove the foil add that remaining cheese and let it get all melty and delicious about 5 more minutes in the oven.
9. Rest And Serve: Let your homemade chicken and rice casserole rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly.

Everything You Need

• Rice: One cup uncooked for this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe.
• Cream Soups: One can each of cream of chicken and mushroom give this homemade chicken and rice casserole its creamy base.
• Liquids: Half cup each milk and water to cook that rice perfectly.
• Seasoning: One packet onion soup mix adds amazing flavor.
• Chicken: Two chicken breasts make this chicken and rice casserole hearty and filling.
• Cheese: Two cups shredded cheddar for that irresistible cheesy top.

Let's Make It Step By Step

1. Mix The Base: For this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe start by combining rice cream soups milk water and seasonings in a bowl.
2. Layer It Up: Pour your mixture into a baking dish add half the cheese then lay chicken on top. This homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe works best when everything's evenly spread.
3. Bake Time: Cover and bake your chicken and rice casserole at 350°F for about 2 hours until chicken's done and rice is tender.
4. Cheese Please: Top with remaining cheese let it melt to perfection.
5. Serve It Up: Let your casserole rest before serving it's worth the wait!

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Make It Your Own

This easy chicken and rice casserole recipe is super flexible. Try different cheeses add your favorite veggies or spice it up with herbs. I love adding broccoli to my homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe for extra color and nutrition. The chicken and rice casserole base stays the same but you can customize the add-ins to suit your family's taste.

Prep Ahead Tips

Make your life easier with these meal prep tips for your chicken and rice casserole:

• Assemble this easy chicken and rice casserole recipe the night before.
• Make a double batch of this homemade chicken and rice casserole recipe freeze half for later.
• Your assembled chicken and rice casserole keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The Perfect Family Meal

This easy chicken and rice casserole recipe is more than just dinner it's a hug in a dish! Your homemade chicken and rice casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Whether it's a busy weeknight or Sunday dinner this chicken and rice casserole never disappoints. It's the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does this take so long to cook?

The long cooking time ensures the rice cooks properly and creates a creamy texture. Using regular rice (not minute rice) needs this time to absorb liquid.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay juicy during the long cooking time. They're actually preferred if using brown rice.

→ Why isn't minute rice recommended?

Minute rice would get mushy with this cooking time and liquid ratio. Regular long grain rice provides the best texture.

→ Can I add vegetables?

Yes, add broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, or other vegetables before baking. Fresh or frozen work well.

→ How do I prevent dry chicken?

Make sure chicken is nestled into the rice mixture and dish is tightly covered with foil. Let rest 15-20 minutes after baking.