Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe made of tender chicken, creamy rice, savory seasonings, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This family-friendly dish serves 6 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare and bake making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Try More Chicken Soups Recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
- Easy Chicken Green Bean Casserole Recipe
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe:
- Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and basic ingredients make it a breeze to cook.
- Family Favorite: A comforting dish loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add or swap vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to your liking.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep
- .One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since it’s an all-in-one meal.
❓ What Is Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?
Chicken Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish featuring a creamy rice and chicken mixture topped with gooey cheese. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
🍲 Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. For a crispy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh or Pre-Cooked Chicken for Ease: Opt for freshly cooked chicken or save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred it finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Enhance with Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to mix into the rice mixture. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value.
- Experiment with Cream Soups: While cream of chicken soup is traditional, swapping it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can provide a unique and savory twist to the dish.
- Incorporate Extra Seasonings: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick or add smoked paprika for a rich, smoky undertone.
- Let the Flavors Set: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes. This step helps the dish set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly without falling apart.
🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Rice Casserole?
Serve Chicken Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal for a lighter option serve with steamed asparagus or a simple cucumber-tomato salad.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Chicken Rice Casserole?
- Refrigerator: Allow leftover chicken rice casserole to cool completely then transfer leftovers to an airtight container store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days
- Freezer: Wrap leftover chicken rice casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Rice Casserole?
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) then cover leftover chicken rice casserole with foil to retain moisture and heat for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Transfer leftover chicken rice casserole to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel heat on medium power for 2–3 minutes stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Chicken Rice Casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What type of chicken works best for Chicken Rice Casserole?
Rotisserie chicken, shredded cooked chicken breasts, or thighs work perfectly for Chicken Rice Casserole. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures tender, flavorful meat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Chicken Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option for a healthier Chicken Rice Casserole. Keep in mind that it may require additional cooking time or pre-cooking before assembling the dish.
How long does Chicken Rice Casserole take to bake?
Typically, Chicken Rice Casserole takes 30–40 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How do I prevent Chicken Rice Casserole from drying out?
Ensure there’s enough liquid in the casserole, such as broth or cream soup, and cover it with foil while baking to retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.0
Can I make Chicken Rice Casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt Chicken Rice Casserole for a slow cooker. Combine the ingredients, set it on low for 4–6 hours, and add the cheese toward the end for a melted topping.
More Chicken Soups Recipes:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serveing
- Calories: 312
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Description
Italian Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe made of tender chicken, creamy rice, savory seasonings, and melted cheese baked to perfection. This family-friendly dish serves 6 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare and bake making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. For a crispy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh or Pre-Cooked Chicken for Ease: Opt for freshly cooked chicken or save time by using leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred it finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Enhance with Sautéed Vegetables: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to mix into the rice mixture. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also boost the nutritional value.
Experiment with Cream Soups: While cream of chicken soup is traditional, swapping it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can provide a unique and savory twist to the dish.
Incorporate Extra Seasonings: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick or add smoked paprika for a rich, smoky undertone.
Let the Flavors Set: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes. This step helps the dish set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly without falling apart.