The BEST Chicken Casserole Recipe Ever (Chicken, Rice, and Cheese)

This chicken casserole recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with perfectly cooked rice in a creamy sauce with ooey-gooey cheese on top. The flavor is just to die for, and you'll love how easy it is to make!

The Best Chicken Casserole

If you've been following the blog for a while, then you know I've made a ton of casserole recipes already. But out of all the chicken casserole recipes I've made, this one might be my favorite.

It has just a few simple components, but they all complement each other so, so well. The tender chicken, the fluffy rice, the creamy sauce, the melty cheese, the crispy onions, I'm telling you they're all a match made in heaven. 

Not to mention, this recipe can be a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice from the night before. So if you have some leftovers of those on hand, it'll be even quicker since you won't have to cook the casserole for as long!

Also, for what it's worth, if you end up with any extra chicken and rice after you make this casserole recipe you can use it to make this chicken divan recipe next.

Why This Recipe Works

Fool-proof. The cooking process of this creamy chicken casserole is effortless, and it turns out perfect every single time.

Family favorite. This casserole is always a hit with kids and adults, so it's the perfect busy weeknight meal that'll leave the entire family satisfied. 

The flavor. There are no other chicken casserole recipes that have as delicious a flavor as this one. It's incredible! 

Ingredients

One of the best things about this chicken and rice casserole recipe is that it's made with simple ingredients. Honestly, you probably have most, if not all, of them on hand already!

Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (or cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup)
• ½ cup Milk
• 1 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
• 2 cups Brown Rice, cooked
• 3 chicken breasts (cut into 6 thin filets)
• 1 ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Green Onions, chopped
• ½ cup Crispy Onions

Simple stuff, right?!

By the way, I use all of these same ingredients in my famous pork chop casserole. So, if you end up liking this recipe, I think you'll love that recipe too!

How To Make Chicken Casserole

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200ºC)  and spray a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Make the creamy base: Mix the mushroom soup, milk, and Italian seasoning in a bowl until everything fully combines.

3. Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked rice to the baking dish and top it with half of the creamy soup mixture. Place the chicken breasts evenly over the rice and pour the rest of the soup mixture on top.

4. Bake and serve: Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the chicken is nearly cooked through. Add the shredded cheese on top and return the casserole to the oven until the cheese is melted. Top with green onions and crispy onions, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use leftover chicken, like leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts, to cut down on the baking time and have this casserole ready even faster.
• Use any shredded cheese you want, like shredded cheddar cheese, Mexican cheese, or monterey jack cheese.
• Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top of the baked casserole for more flavor.
• Add vegetables like green beans, frozen peas, and carrots, or just add a bag of mixed frozen vegetables to the casserole.
• Crush up Ritz crackers and add them to the top of the casserole before baking for an extra crunch.
• You'll know the casserole is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F

How To Store Creamy Chicken Casserole

In the fridge: Put a lid on the casserole dish or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Freeze chicken and rice casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

Reheating: Put the chicken and rice casserole back in a casserole dish and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through.

FAQS About This Chicken Casserole Recipe

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Just assemble the casserole up until baking it. Then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place a lid on the baking dish and keep it in the refrigerator for a day. Remove it from the fridge while the oven is preheating and bake as directed.

Do you cook chicken before putting it in a casserole?

If you want to save time, you can cook the chicken first, but it is not necessary. You'll just need to bake the casserole long enough for the raw chicken to cook.

Should I cover my casserole with foil?

No, since the cheese is added to the casserole towards the end of baking, you do not need to cover it with foil.

What can I serve with chicken casserole?

It's terrific with this Cheesecake Factory brown bread or these Olive Garden breadsticks. Both are so tasty dipped in the creamy chicken casserole sauce.

More Casserole Recipes

• Taco casserole with tortillas
• John Wayne casserole
• Chicken mushroom casserole
• Taco cornbread casserole
• Cheesy chicken and rice casserole