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Chicken and Rice Casserole – Comfort Recipes for Dinner

You know that golden-bubbly layer on top of a casserole that makes everyone rush to the table? That’s exactly the magic I’m talking about here! This Chicken and Rice Casserole has been my go-to cozy dinner whenever I need something hearty, simple, and downright delicious. The tender chicken, creamy rice, and a cheesy crust come together like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it’s one of those dishes where you can pop everything in the oven and get on with your evening—no babysitting required. Let me walk you through this ultimate comfort classic that smells like home and tastes like love.

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional for a bit of color and warmth)

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the onion and garlic. Let them cook until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes—that’s when your kitchen starts smelling like heaven.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic, the cooked chicken, and the frozen peas and carrots. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3:

Pour everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—this will melt and turn deliciously golden in the oven.

Step 4:

Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep in the steam, then bake for 35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step gets you that bubbly, slightly crispy cheese layer everybody loves.

Step 5:

Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the rice finish cooking through and makes serving less messy.

Step 6:

Scoop into warm bowls and enjoy! The dish should be creamy and comforting, with tender chicken and that cheesy crown to seal the deal.

Variations & Tips

Use brown rice instead of white, but increase baking time by about 15 minutes and add a bit more broth.
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter tang and extra protein.
Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers in with the onions to boost veggies and flavor.
For spice lovers, mix in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne with the paprika.
Leftover chicken? This recipe is perfect for using up whatever you have in the fridge!
If the cheese topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking.

How I Like to Serve It

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for some fresh crunch. It’s a great dish for cozy weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals. Bonus: it reheats like a dream, so you can enjoy leftovers in your lunch box the next day. I especially love serving it during cooler evenings when a warm, hearty dish feels just right.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven and add a splash of broth if it feels dry.

Closing: This Chicken and Rice Casserole is one of those effortless, comforting meals that always brings a little extra warmth to the table—no matter the day.