Description

Warm and comforting, the Best Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables in a creamy, cheesy bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this one-pan wonder is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to your taste. With simple ingredients that blend seamlessly together, this casserole makes for a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or enjoying it fresh from the oven, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup long grain white rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup sliced carrots
1 small onion, diced (optional)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup frozen corn
½ cup sliced mushrooms
Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and the sautéed onions/garlic. Fold in the shredded chicken along with carrots, peas, corn, mushrooms, and half of the cheese.
Pour mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes until rice is tender. For a crispy topping, remove foil and broil for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving; garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 275g)
Calories: 360
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers for added nutrition. To make this recipe healthier, consider using brown rice or low-fat alternatives for milk and cheese.