Pin this A comforting, creamy casserole packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
This casserole quickly became a family favorite after I brought it to a potluck. Everyone asked for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, shredded or cubed
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup, uncooked
- Frozen peas and carrots: 1 cup, thawed
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups, divided
- Milk: 1 cup
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): 1/2 cup
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Combine ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, uncooked rice, peas and carrots, onion, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour mixture:
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake covered:
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Add cheese topping:
- Remove foil, stir gently, and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add optional topping:
- Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered:
- Return casserole to oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and topping is golden and bubbly.
- Rest:
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Pin this This dish brings my whole family together around the table every time we make it.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay.
Required Tools
9x13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, aluminum foil, measuring cups and spoons, chefs knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, milk, condensed soup) and gluten (condensed soup, optional topping). For gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and omit or substitute the topping. Always check product labels for allergens.
Pin this Enjoy this hearty casserole with your loved ones for a warm and satisfying meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted but may require longer cooking time and more liquid for proper texture.
- → What can I add for extra flavor?
Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or herbs like thyme or parsley enhance the dish's depth and aroma.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and omit or replace the cracker topping with gluten-free alternatives to keep it safe.
- → How do I get a crispy topping?
Mix crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese before the final bake.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking from cold.