5 Best Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipes

Chicken and rice casserole dishes are a staple for many homes, offering comfort, convenience, and a delicious blend of flavors. These dishes are versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, here are five of the best chicken and rice casserole recipes to enhance your culinary repertoire.

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

This time-honored recipe is a perfect introduction to the world of chicken casseroles. Its simplicity and hearty flavors make it a family favorite.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Optional: vegetables like peas or chopped carrots

Here are the steps to bring this classic casserole to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the soup, water, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the uncooked rice.
3. Add the shredded chicken to the mixture and combine well.
4. Pour this into a greased casserole dish. If you're adding vegetables, mix them in now.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for another 25 minutes or until the rice is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Note: For a creamier casserole, mix in a half-cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with the soup base.

2. Southwestern Chicken and Rice Casserole

For a spicier twist on the classic, consider this Southwestern version that packs a punch of flavor.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed
• 1 can of corn, drained
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Here's how to make your Southwestern casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the salsa, cumin, chili powder, and tomatoes.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice, beans, corn, and chicken.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Cover and bake for 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
6. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

🌮 Note: Serve with sour cream or guacamole to balance the heat.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Casserole

Looking for a lighter, more aromatic take on the casserole? This lemon herb version is both refreshing and flavorful.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into chunks
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Follow these steps to create your lemon herb casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the rice, stirring to coat in the garlic oil. Cook for about 2 minutes.
4. Add lemon zest, juice, broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer to a casserole dish, then layer the chicken on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
8. Garnish with parsley before serving.

🌿 Note: Pair this dish with a light, crisp salad for a perfect meal.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this casserole that also packs in the goodness of broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Here's how to make your cheesy broccoli casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Stir in the rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of cheese.
4. Spread this mixture in a greased baking dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese, then breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
6. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

🥦 Note: Blanch the broccoli briefly before adding to the mix to ensure even cooking.

5. Curry Chicken and Rice Casserole

Explore the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this curry twist on the classic chicken and rice casserole.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews (optional)
• Cilantro for garnish

Here are the steps to make your curry chicken casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add spices (curry powder, turmeric, cumin) and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in rice, coconut milk, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer to a greased casserole dish, then add the chicken and peas.
6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes or until rice is tender.
7. Sprinkle with cashews and cilantro before serving.

🍛 Note: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, adding more or less curry powder as desired.

In wrapping up, these five chicken and rice casserole recipes demonstrate the incredible versatility and comforting appeal of this dish. From the classic flavors to exotic twists, each recipe provides a unique culinary experience while maintaining the simplicity and comfort that casseroles are loved for. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or just looking for a simple weekday dinner solution, these casseroles offer something for every palate.

Can I use brown rice instead of white in these recipes?

+

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the cooking time or use pre-cooked brown rice.

What are some vegetarian substitutes for chicken?

+

Consider using tofu, tempeh, or a variety of mushrooms like portobello for a meaty texture. You could also boost the amount of beans or lentils in recipes for added protein.

How do I store and reheat these casseroles?

+

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave, or for better texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, adding a splash of liquid to keep it moist if necessary.