Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

This old fashioned chicken and rice casserole is packed with flavor. It mixes chicken with fluffy rice and a deeply flavorful cream sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. This is the tastiest chicken and rice dish you'll ever have, and it's so easy to make!

The Best Chicken and Rice Casserole

Classic chicken and rice is such a simple, delicious combination. Although just plain chicken and rice can be bland, so I elevated it with this comforting casserole.

Every bite of this old fashioned chicken and rice casserole is more flavorful than the last, from the chicken and rice to the decadent cream sauce and parmesan cheese. Gah, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

This baked chicken and rice casserole is a great recipe to make for those hectic weeknights when you need to whip up something quick and easy that'll still taste delicious. 

As good as this chicken rice casserole recipe is on its own, it's even better when you make these Cracker Barrel biscuits to serve with it to soak up that delicious creamy sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

It's simple to make. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl then layer them in your casserole dish and bake them in the oven. That's literally all there is to it!

Makes great leftovers. As good as this baked chicken and rice casserole tastes fresh out of the oven, I'd say it tastes even better the next day!

Crowd favorite. Anyone who likes chicken and rice loves this chicken casserole. It's a hit at every family dinner and gathering with friends that I've made it for. So I have a feeling everyone you share it with will love it too!

Ingredients

Another reason I can't stop making this chicken and rice casserole recipe is that it's made with really basic ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand already!

Check out everything you'll need:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup cream of celery soup
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked rice
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese or any shredded cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

You can use a lot of these ingredients to make this cheesy chicken casserole recipe, so consider giving that one a try next. It's another one of my favorite twists on the classic comfort food but with Italian seasoning and crispy onions on top.

How To Make Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole

1. Prep work: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, milk, and cooked rice. Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared casserole dish and top with grated parmesan cheese.

3. Bake the casserole: Bake the chicken and rice casserole for 40-50 minutes or until the casserole is fully warmed through. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Mix all of the ingredients in the baking dish to make an even more convenient casserole.
• Swap cream of chicken soup for chicken broth for a lower calorie casserole.
• Use a combination of chicken breasts and skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
• Crush up Ritz crackers and add them to the top of the casserole before baking for an extra crunch.
• Add vegetables like green beans, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onion, spinach, or carrots for a healthier casserole.
• Use brown rice to make a healthier casserole or cauliflower rice to make a low-carb version.
• Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese or any type of cheese to switch up the flavor.

How To Store Chicken and Rice Casserole

In the fridge: Store leftover chicken and rice casserole in an airtight container or in the casserole dish with a lid on, and it'll last in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

In the freezer: Allow the leftover casserole to cool completely, then transfer everything to a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 4 months. 

Reheating: Put the leftovers back in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Let the frozen casserole thaw in the fridge before reheating, or add more reheating time.

FAQS About This Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

What can I serve with chicken and rice casserole?

Chicken and rice casserole is delicious with veggies on the side like these crack greens beans, tomato zucchini casserole, or house salad. It also goes well with these Bisquick cheddar bay biscuits for dipping in the sauce.

Can you make chicken and rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, the best way to make chicken and rice casserole ahead of time is to cook the chicken and rice the day before. Then when you're ready to eat, all you have to do is mix the ingreidents together, top with cheese, and bake the casserole,

Do I have to cook rice before putting it in a casserole?

No, you do not have to cook rice before putting it in a casserole. That said, you'll need to bake the casserole long enough to fully cook the rice, so it's actually quicker to just cook the rice beforehand. 

Can you put raw chicken in a casserole dish?

Yes, raw chicken can be put in a casserole dish. Again, you'll need to cook the casserole for a longer period of time, so using cooked chicken will make the recipe quicker.

More Recipes

• Italian casserole
• Ritz cracker chicken casserole
• Sausage and rice casserole
• Mexican rice casserole
• Chicken and biscuit casserole
• Baked pork chops and rice casserole
• Old fashioned chicken and noodles