If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful balance of tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled atop perfectly cooked rice soaked in creamy mushroom goodness. Every bite delivers a cozy mix of flavors and textures that make it a weeknight winner and a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so straightforward to prepare, which means less time stressing and more time enjoying a wholesome home-cooked dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Nothing complicated here—just basics with a bit of magic that transforms them into an unforgettable dish.
- 4-5 boneless chicken thighs: These give you tender, juicy protein that stays moist throughout baking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base, soaking up all the creamy, savory juices.
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup: Adds rich, velvety flavor that ties everything together.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses subtle savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings gentle, aromatic sweetness to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a mellow, comforting punch of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for highlighting all the other ingredients.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish well to prevent sticking and set it aside; a well-greased dish also helps get a nice crust on the edges.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the boneless chicken thighs dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. These simple spices bring out the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it. Lay the thighs evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the dish’s hearty centerpiece.
Step 3: Mix the Rice and Saucy Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the long-grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is fully blended. This mixture is what will cook the rice to tender perfection, while coating the chicken with creamy goodness as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour and Cover
Pour the rice and soup mixture over the chicken in the baking dish, making sure the rice is completely submerged. Cover the entire dish tightly with foil—this traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly alongside the chicken.
Step 5: Bake and Uncover for a Golden Finish
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake covered for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes. This step crisps the top edges and gives the chicken a lovely golden color that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the rice set up just right for scooping without falling apart.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your casserole with some fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top. The pop of green adds freshness and a mild herbal note that balances the richness perfectly. A squeeze of lemon juice can also lift the flavors if you want a little zing.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides so the meal doesn’t feel too heavy. Think steamed green beans, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted veggies tossed with olive oil and garlic. These sides add texture and color contrast to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the baking dish for easy sharing, or plate it elegantly by placing a portion of casserole on a warm plate and topping with a fresh herb garnish. For a cozy dinner party, consider layering the casserole with a side of cranberry sauce or a dollop of homemade salsa to add brightness and complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them loosely to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out a bit faster, so keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use cream of mushroom soup?
While cream of mushroom soup adds a lovely creamy earthiness, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to toss in veggies like peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach into the rice mixture before baking for extra color, nutrition, and taste.
How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?
The rice will absorb all the liquid during baking and should be tender after 60 minutes. If it’s still a bit firm, you can cover and bake a little longer, checking every 5 minutes.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Just make sure to use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a satisfying, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm bowl of comfort, this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe should be your go-to. It’s an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the cozy goodness of this timeless classic. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless chicken thighs are seasoned and baked with creamy mushroom soup, long-grain rice, and flavorful chicken broth to create a hearty, flavorful casserole with minimal prep and fuss.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–5 boneless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish generously to prevent sticking and prepare it for the casserole assembly.
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder thoroughly to infuse flavor. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix rice and soup: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of mushroom soup, and low-sodium chicken broth until the mixture is well blended and uniform.
- Combine in dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is completely submerged under the liquid mixture for proper cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, then bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the rice is tender.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender meat and even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, adding more herbs if desired.
- For a creamier texture, stir in some shredded cheese before the final baking step.
- Covering the dish with foil while baking traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks thoroughly.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps consolidate juices and flavors.
