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; 3 uncooked chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each or homemade); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 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 truly comforting about a warm, cheesy bake that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. This Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheddar in one dish that’s as easy as it is satisfying—a perfect weeknight winner for busy cooks.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a three-layer casserole. The bottom layer looks creamy and beige, topped with a middle layer of browned bits that appear to be small pieces of cooked meat or vegetables. The top layer is melted cheese, mixed with yellow and white tones, melted unevenly to create a textured surface. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously across the top, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spoon to the left and some fresh herbs nearby. 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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve leaned on this Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe when I need something comforting, reliable, and truly delicious without fuss. You throw everything in one pan, pop it in the oven, and then you get to enjoy the magic of perfectly cooked rice soaking up all that cheesy, creamy goodness alongside juicy chicken.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Flavor Packed: With cheddar, onion soup mix, and cream of chicken soup, every bite bursts with rich, comforting flavors.
Family Friendly: This casserole always gets a thumbs up from picky eaters and adults alike.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance, then bake when you're ready to eat—super handy on busy days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe plays a role in getting that creamy, cheesy texture and mouthwatering flavor. The rice cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those savory notes from the broth and soups, while the chicken bakes tender and juicy. Here are some tips on the key players:

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a small white ceramic bowl, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese in a wider white ceramic bowl, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pale skin arranged neatly, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with creamy pale condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh white milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine golden onion soup mix powder, a few sprigs of fresh green minced parsley on a white ceramic plate, white ceramic bowls containing fine white salt and coarse black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed 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: Cooks evenly and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy kick; it melts perfectly and adds that golden crust on top.
Chicken Breasts: Cutting them in half lengthwise helps them cook through quickly and evenly.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy base; homemade works great if you prefer fresh ingredients.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture so the rice cooks tenderly.
Milk: Helps thin the sauce just right for a luscious texture.
Onion Soup Mix: This little pantry gem amps up the savory onion flavor and herbs easily.
Fresh Minced Parsley: Brightens the dish when sprinkled on top before serving.
Salt & Pepper: Adjust carefully since some ingredients like soup and broth already contain salt.

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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 mixing things up slightly depending on what I have on hand or what my family is craving. This casserole is so flexible—you can easily swap cheeses, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to fit your tastes.

Variation: Sometimes I swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack for a gooey, slightly spicy twist that my kids adore.
Add Veggies: Throw in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce before baking.
Low Sodium: Use reduced-sodium broth and soup, and taste before adding salt.

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

A white plate holds a thick slice of a baked dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow with a soft texture, the middle layer features tender cooked chicken with a pale color, and the top layer is golden melted cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs, slightly browned in spots. The dish is served on a white marbled surface, with fresh green parsley in the background and a silver fork resting on the plate’s edge. In the background, a white rectangular baking dish with more of the same layered dish is partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and giving your baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Spread uncooked long grain white rice evenly across the dish and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over it. This layering helps the rice soak up cheesy goodness right from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise (think butterfly style) so they cook through faster and remain juicy. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper before placing them over the rice and cheese layer. This ensures each bite has well-seasoned chicken that's tender.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Sauce and Seasonings

Pour both cans of condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken, then add the chicken broth and milk. Sprinkle the onion soup mix on top—all these layers create a rich, savory casserole sauce that keeps the rice from drying out as it cooks.

Step 4: Bake and Cheese It Up

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake in the 350°F oven for 1 hour 30 minutes. This slow bake cooks the rice perfectly and lets flavors meld together. When time's up, take off the foil, gently stir the rice and sauce to combine, then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top. Pop it back in the oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes before grabbing your first forkful. This resting time lets everything settle so it slices cleanly and the sauce thickens just a bit. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and if you like, a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Top Tip

Over time, I’ve found a few tricks that really help this Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe come together flawlessly every time. From layering to seasoning, these tips save you stress and keep your family coming back for seconds.

Don’t Skip Spraying the Pan: The rice plus cheese can stick if your pan isn’t well greased, so a good spray is key for easy serving and cleanup.
Season Chicken Simply: Light salt and pepper are usually enough, since the soup and broth add lots of flavor—overdoing it can make it too salty.
Cover While Baking: Keeping the casserole covered during the initial baking prevents the rice from drying out and ensures it cooks evenly.
Use Sharp Cheddar: For that extra punch of flavor, I like sharp cheddar because it melts well and gives the dish a bit of a tang that balances the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken and Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, a little extra cracked black pepper or even a few sliced green onions on top works beautifully for contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots to add texture and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings that look charming on the plate. Garnishing with a little extra shredded cheese and parsley right before serving makes it feel extra homey and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the leftover casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 3 days and reheats well for easy lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Freezing works great here, too! After baking and cooling, I portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep moisture or microwave with a damp paper towel over the top to prevent drying. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating can boost freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid to ensure it becomes tender. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice or adjusting the baking time and moisture to avoid undercooked grains.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Also, check the soup and broth ingredients—or make your own dairy-free cream of chicken soup to keep it completely allergen-friendly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add richness and extra moisture. Since thighs tend to be thicker, slice them thin or adjust the baking time slightly to make sure they’re cooked through.

How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?

Using long grain white rice helps keep the texture just right. Also, make sure to measure your liquids carefully and avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended baking time with the dish covered. Stir gently after baking to maintain the fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Rice casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—the kind of meal that remembers what it’s like to be cozy and cared for. I hope you find it as comforting and effortless as I do, becoming one of your go-to dinners when you want something tasty, cheesy, and made with ease. Give it a try, and I’d bet you’ll make it over and over again!