Name: Best Ever Chicken Casserole Recipes for Family Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen broccoli florets (optional); 1 packet Knorr chicken-flavored rice mix (optional); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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When I think of comfort food, chicken casserole recipes always come to mind. This one in particular, a chicken and rice casserole, feels like a hug from the oven. It’s simple, hearty, and the kind of meal that makes you want to sit back for a second helping. I still remember the first time I made it on a busy weeknight. The kids were starving, I had work emails pinging non-stop, and honestly, the last thing I wanted was to fuss in the kitchen. Then I pulled this dish together, and within minutes the house filled with that cozy aroma of baked chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese. Dinner suddenly didn’t feel like a chore anymore—it felt like a win. What I love most is that it fits right into so many moods. Want an easy fix after a long day? Done. Need something a little lighter but still satisfying? You’ve got it. Whether you’re hunting for chicken and rice casserole recipes easy, looking through your collection of Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes, or trying to find the best casserole recipes, this one checks the box. It even works when you’re searching for healthy chicken casserole recipes, chicken and broccoli casserole recipes, or those chicken and knorr rice casserole recipes your mom used to make. Trust me, this is the one recipe that always makes people ask, ‘Hey, can I grab that recipe link later?’

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
4) How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
5) Tips for Making Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
6) Making Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
8) Try these casseroles next!
9) Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This casserole combines chicken, rice, cheese, and a creamy sauce for an easy weeknight dinner. It balances convenience with flavor, making it one of my go-to chicken casserole recipes.

It offers flexibility. You can mix in broccoli or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want to lean toward healthier chicken casserole recipes.

The dish feeds a family and still leaves leftovers that taste even better the next day. Comfort food that works hard for you, without needing you to work hard for it.

2) Easy Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

I call this recipe a life saver because I can throw it together with pantry staples. Cooked rice, chicken breast, cream soup, and cheese. Nothing fancy, just things I usually have waiting in the fridge or cupboard.

It’s also forgiving. Forget to thaw your broccoli? Skip it. Want extra cheese? Add it. Want to try a spin from those chicken and knorr rice casserole recipes your grandma used to make? Toss in that Knorr packet and see how it plays out.

This dish is about ease, but it doesn’t skimp on taste. It falls under Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes, and that’s exactly what makes it such a family favorite in my house.

3) Ingredients for Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken Breasts: Cubed chicken is the heart of this casserole. I like using boneless skinless breasts because they stay tender and soak up the creamy sauce well.

Cooked Rice: Two cups of rice form the base. I often cook extra rice earlier in the week just so I can save time when I’m ready to bake this dish.

Cream of Chicken Soup: One can of soup keeps everything creamy and pulls the dish together. It feels nostalgic, like those best casserole recipes we grew up eating.

Sour Cream: Adds tang and smooth texture. If I want something lighter, I use Greek yogurt and nobody ever notices the switch.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded and gooey when melted. The golden crust after baking makes the kitchen smell like heaven.

Broccoli Florets: Optional, but I add them when I want the casserole to lean into chicken and broccoli casserole recipes. They add a pop of color and balance the richness.

Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Simple seasonings that keep the flavors grounded.

Breadcrumbs and Butter: For the crunchy topping. It’s not required, but it elevates the texture and makes each bite memorable.

4) How to Make Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 dish. It’s a simple step, but it sets you up for even cooking and easy clean-up later.

Step 2. Spread cooked rice across the bottom of the dish. This will soak up the juices from the chicken and keep every bite tender.

Step 3. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The raw chicken cooks perfectly in the oven and keeps the process quick.

Step 4. In a bowl, mix the soup, sour cream, and half the cheese. Spread this mixture over the chicken, covering it evenly.

Step 5. Sprinkle broccoli florets across the top if you’re using them. They bake tender and mix with the creamy sauce.

Step 6. Add the rest of the cheese on top, letting it form a blanket that melts during baking.

Step 7. Stir breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them across the dish. This topping turns crisp and golden in the oven.

Step 8. Bake uncovered for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles and the top browns.

Step 9. Let it sit for five minutes before serving. It keeps the layers intact and gives you time to grab plates and forks.

5) Tips for Making Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

I’ve learned that small choices make a big difference. Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, add a pinch of salt to balance the tang.

Try cooking the rice a little firmer. It prevents the casserole from turning mushy and gives each bite structure. That’s a trick I picked up after making plenty of chicken and rice casserole recipes easy.

And don’t forget the rest time after baking. It’s tempting to scoop it out right away, but a short pause keeps the layers neat and stops the steam from stealing flavor.

6) Making Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole Ahead of Time

This casserole works well for meal prep. I sometimes build it in the morning, cover it, and refrigerate it until dinner. That way, when the evening chaos hits, I can slide it into the oven and relax.

If you plan to make it ahead, hold back on adding the breadcrumb topping until right before baking. Otherwise, it can soften in the fridge and lose that crunch.

I’ve even frozen portions. Wrap them tight, and when you reheat, the taste holds up better than expected. It’s a reliable trick for busy weeks.

7) Storing Leftover Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole

I store leftovers in airtight containers, usually for up to four days in the fridge. Reheating in the oven works best, but the microwave saves time when you’re rushing.

Sometimes I drizzle a little milk or broth over the top before reheating. It refreshes the rice and keeps the texture from drying out.

And if you have freezer space, you can keep cooked portions wrapped tight for up to two months. It’s not the same as fresh, but it still delivers comfort when you need it most.

8) Try these casseroles next!

9) Best Ever Chicken and Rice Casserole