Name: Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 uncooked chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each or homemade cream of chicken soup); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons onion soup mix (or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

There's something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling baked dish loaded with cheese, tender chicken, and creamy rice. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe hits all those cozy notes, delivering a hearty meal that's surprisingly simple to whip up and perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a cheesy baked casserole, showing two main layers: the bottom layer is a pale, soft base likely made of cooked grains or a similar mix, and the top layer is melted cheese with orange and white patches scattered unevenly; the cheese layer is sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs for a pop of color. The surface of the casserole looks slightly browned and bubbly with some textured bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a wooden spoon and a bunch of green herbs, with part of a white cloth with green patterns visible at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this casserole on a chilly evening. The whole house smelled like a warm hug, and dinner practically made itself in the oven. I keep coming back to this recipe because it’s just that effortless and crowd-pleasing.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, saving you time on prep and cleanup.
Comfort Food Classic: That creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice is pure comfort in every bite.
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love it — cheesy goodness hides lots of nutritious chicken and rice.
Customizable: You can easily swap cheeses, add veggies, or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in combining simple pantry staples that bring a big flavor impact. You’ll want a good quality cheddar cheese for melty richness, and the condensed cream of chicken soup is like a secret weapon for creamy sauce.

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese on a white plate, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small white bowl filled with thick creamy homemade cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of fresh whole milk, a small mound of dry onion soup mix in a white dish, a few sprigs of fresh minced parsley loosely scattered, a small white bowl of coarse salt, and a small white bowl of black peppercorns, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long grain white rice: It cooks up fluffy and separate, soaking in all those tasty liquids without getting mushy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, melty layer of indulgence that makes everyone smile.
Chicken breasts: Cutting them thin ensures they cook fully and stay tender without drying out.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: This adds creamy savory depth and binds everything perfectly.
Chicken broth: Boosts flavor while helping the rice cook through evenly.
Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess, lightening the sauce texture.
Onion soup mix: Infuses the casserole with oniony, herby notes that make it extra flavorful.
Fresh minced parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives a fresh pop of color and brightness.
Salt & pepper: Essential for lifting all the flavors just right.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love giving this casserole a little twist depending on the season or what I have on hand. Playing around with add-ins keeps it feeling fresh each time I make it.

Variation: Adding a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach right before baking adds a nice pop of color and nutrition — my kids barely notice!
Dairy-Free Option: Swap cheddar for a vegan cheese and use coconut milk along with a dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or panko over the top before the final cheese layer for a delightful crisp finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a square piece of a layered casserole. The bottom layer is a creamy, light golden rice mixed with small bits of vegetables, which looks soft and textured. On top of the rice, there is a thick layer of light brown cooked meat. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and slightly crispy with some brown spots, sprinkled with fresh green chopped herbs. A silver fork slightly touches the side of the plate. In the background, a white casserole dish filled with more of the same casserole sits on a wooden surface next to fresh green parsley. The setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Layer Like a Pro

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish. I find that spreading the uncooked rice evenly at the bottom creates an even, fluffy texture. Then sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the rice — this helps the chicken stay moist and adds an early cheesy layer I adore.

Step 2: Season and Arrange the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts lengthwise to make thinner pieces. Season them with salt and pepper — don’t skimp here; it makes a huge difference in flavor. Lay them gently over the rice and cheese, ensuring they're evenly spaced. This prevents overcrowding and helps the chicken cook through perfectly.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly atop the chicken. Next, add your chicken broth and milk — these liquids let the rice cook as it bakes. Finish by sprinkling the onion soup mix on top; its seasoning really elevates the whole dish. Cover with foil to trap steam for tender results.

Step 4: Bake and Cheese It Up

Bake the casserole covered for 1 hour and 30 minutes — this patience pays off with perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken. When it's time, remove the foil, stir gently to mix the sauce and rice, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven for 5–10 minutes until that cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before serving; it helps everything settle and makes scooping easier. Sprinkle freshly minced parsley for a subtle brightness and a pretty touch. A final dash of salt and pepper to taste ties it all together.

Top Tip

When I first attempted this casserole, my biggest challenge was getting the rice cooked perfectly without drying out the chicken. After some trial and error, I found these tricks really help nail it every time.

Chicken Thickness: Cutting chicken breasts thin and lengthwise helps them cook through the baking time without becoming rubbery.
Cover Tight: Use foil or a tight-fitting lid so the steam cooks the rice evenly and keeps everything moist.
Cheese Timing: Wait to add the final cheese layer until the end of baking for a melted, golden topping rather than a dried-out crust.
Gentle Stirring: Stir lightly after baking to combine sauce and rice — too vigorous can break up the rice texture.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken and rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley because it brightens the rich flavors and adds a fresh aroma. Sometimes a pinch of smoked paprika on top adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful color contrast. If you want a little extra flair, chopped green onions or crispy fried onions make fantastic garnishes too.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake the casserole in individual ramekins for gorgeous personal servings. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass baking dish, so the beautiful cheesy layers show through — it’s a real crowd-pleaser when friends come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The casserole thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I like to stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to refresh its creamy texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or cover the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven until heated through.

Reheating

Microwaving works for a quick lunch, but for even heating, I recommend baking leftovers uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of liquid if needed. This brings back the casserole’s fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice has a longer cooking time and absorbs more liquid, so if you want to substitute it, you’ll need to adjust the liquid amount and cooking time accordingly. I recommend cooking the casserole covered for about 2 hours and adding extra broth or water to keep the rice tender.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add the shredded chicken toward the end of baking (about 15-20 minutes) to heat through, as the rice still needs to cook separately. You may want to partially cook the rice first or use instant rice to adapt this method.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Just be sure the dish is completely cooled before freezing in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Simple sides like steamed green veggies, a crisp garden salad, or warm crusty bread pair wonderfully with this cheesy chicken and rice casserole. They help balance the richness and round out the meal nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has become such a go-to comfort food for me—it feels like a warm embrace on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find that it brings a little extra warmth and ease to your dinner table. Give it a try—you might just add a new family favorite to your cooking rotation!