Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Published: December 8, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Dish Meal: Enjoy the convenience of cooking everything in one baking dish, which means less cleanup!
Flavorful Combination: The blend of chicken, creamy soup, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor that pleases any palate.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some must-have items for preparing this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and easy serving right from the dish.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine ingredients effortlessly without spills.
Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee the best flavor balance in your casserole.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

Extra-virgin olive oil, for baking dish
2 c. white rice, rinsed well and drained
1 large onion, chopped
2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
2 (10.5-oz.) cans cream of mushroom soup
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken Topping

4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lb.)
2 Tbsp. melted butter
2 tsp. fresh thyme
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil. In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed rice, chopped onion, chicken broth, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Add Chicken Thighs

Place the chicken thighs skin side up into the rice mixture in the baking dish. Brush them generously with melted butter. Sprinkle fresh thyme and minced garlic over the chicken, followed by additional salt and pepper as desired.

Step 3: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes. Check that the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through. To achieve a golden finish on the chicken skin, turn your oven setting to broil and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once done, take out your casserole from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your hearty Chicken and Rice Casserole!

This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe guarantees comfort food at its finest!

How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Serving Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delightful experience that enhances its comforting qualities. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the oven, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes pairs well with the richness of the casserole.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in a creamy Caesar dressing adds a flavorful crunch.

With Crusty Bread

Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter complements the casserole’s creaminess.
Focaccia: A soft, herbal focaccia provides a lovely texture contrast and absorbs any leftover sauce.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens the dish’s flavor.
Thyme Sprigs: Whole thyme leaves can enhance the aroma and appeal of your serving.

Accompanied by Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets offer a healthy side and balance out the meal.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add a splash of color and sweetness to your dinner plate.

How to Perfect Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Perfecting your Chicken and Rice Casserole takes just a few thoughtful steps. These tips will ensure you achieve a delicious result every time.

Use high-quality broth: A good low-sodium chicken broth enhances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Rinse rice thoroughly: Rinsing removes excess starch which prevents clumping and results in fluffy rice.
Brown chicken skin first: For added depth of flavor, consider browning the chicken skin in a pan before placing it in the casserole.
Adjust seasoning as needed: Taste your rice mixture before adding chicken to ensure it’s seasoned perfectly.
Cover tightly while baking: Keeping moisture trapped ensures tender chicken and well-cooked rice.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes post-baking helps flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Pairing your Chicken and Rice Casserole with complementary sides can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a hearty side that balances well with the casserole.
Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw brings freshness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds vibrant color and natural sweetness that complements savory flavors.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The sweet, earthy flavor of baked sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with chicken and rice.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, bell peppers, and lemon dressing offers healthy contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Chicken and Rice Casserole, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

Using Unseasoned Ingredients: Failing to season the rice mixture properly can result in bland casserole. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking.
Overcrowding the Dish: Adding too much chicken or rice can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation by following the recipe’s proportions.
Skipping the Broil Step: Not broiling at the end means missing out on that delicious golden-brown skin on the chicken. Always finish with a quick broil for perfect texture.
Ignoring Cooking Times: Each oven is different. Relying solely on time without checking for doneness can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Not Using Fresh Herbs: Substituting dried herbs instead of fresh may decrease flavor depth. Fresh thyme and parsley add brightness, so use them when possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm throughout.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Add a splash of broth if it gets too dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe:

Can I use cooked chicken in this Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute cooked chicken; just reduce baking time since it’s already cooked.

How can I customize my Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots, or use different herbs to suit your taste preferences!

What types of rice work best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice is preferred, but you can also use brown rice; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or side dishes. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, making it a must-try!

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