Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love! It’s filled with tasty ingredients like rotisserie chicken, cheese, and mixed veggies, making it a comforting dish suitable for family dinners or potlucks. The unique aspect of this recipe is its simplicity; it uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep time. You can have a warm, hearty meal on the table in just over an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand or swap out chicken for another protein.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With creamy flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• One-Dish Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Casserole dish (9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Cooking spray
• Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole dish: A sturdy dish helps evenly cook your casserole while allowing easy serving.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl lets you thoroughly combine ingredients without making a mess.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes serving easier.

Ingredients

This chicken and rice casserole is the queen of easy weeknight meals! It has pantry staples, rotisserie chicken, loads of cheese, and is ridiculously simple to make.

For the Casserole Base

• 3 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups uncooked Minute Rice (see note)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (I used rotisserie) (shredded/chopped)
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup scallions (chopped)

For Topping

• 3 cups grated cheddar (divided)

How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the cream of chicken soup.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Stir together until well combined.

Step 3: Grease Your Dish

Grease a 9×13 casserole dish using cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Dish

In your greased casserole dish:
1. Add uncooked Minute Rice.
2. Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken.
3. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, pepper, scallions, and one cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add Sauce Mixture

Pour the soup/broth mixture into the casserole dish. Toss everything until all ingredients are coated thoroughly. Smooth into an even layer.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or its lid to allow proper cooking for the rice. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping

Remove from oven carefully:
1. Take off the foil.
2. Top with remaining cheese.
Return to oven uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and rice is soft and creamy.

Now you have a delightful Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is perfect as a standalone dish, but there are several ways to elevate your meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs well with the cheesy casserole.

Pair with Breads

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the casserole perfectly.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be a delightful addition, perfect for soaking up any sauce.

Top it Off

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a pop of color and flavor.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a kick, a drizzle of hot sauce can enhance the overall taste.

How to Perfect Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

To make your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole even better, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality rotisserie chicken for better flavor.
• Measure Your Liquids: Ensure you add the right amount of liquid to prevent dry rice.
• Cover Tightly: Always cover the dish tightly while baking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• Mix Well: Stir all ingredients thoroughly before baking to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking for better slicing and serving.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole can create a balanced meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds nutritional value.
2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a nice contrast to the savory casserole.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can offer crunch and brightness.
4. Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser during summer months.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears bring a gourmet touch to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole even better.

• Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure the casserole cooks properly.
• Overcooking the Rice: Uncooked rice should be added raw, but overcooking it later can make it mushy. Follow cooking times carefully to maintain texture.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season adequately will result in bland flavor. Use pepper and Italian seasoning generously for a tasty dish.
• Not Covering the Dish: Leaving the casserole uncovered while baking can dry it out. Always cover it tightly with foil for proper moisture retention.
• Using the Wrong Dish Size: A too-small dish can overflow, while a too-large dish may dry out the casserole. Stick to a 9×13 inch pan for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Use a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often come up about this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Make sure it’s fully cooked before serving.

How do I customize my Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

You can add different vegetables or swap chicken for turkey. Experiment with spices or different types of cheese for variety.

What type of chicken is best for this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken works great due to its flavor and ease. You can also use leftover cooked chicken from previous meals.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is not only simple but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty yet uncomplicated. Give it a try; the cozy flavors are sure to satisfy!