This one-dish cheesy chicken and rice casserole is easy, quick, and tasty. It is perfect for busy families and simple enough for a weeknight meal. Made with simple ingredients that you may have on hand, this is one recipe you can get behind.
![A casserole dish and a large wooden spoon full of cheesy chicken and rice casserole.](https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cheesy-Chicken-Rice-Casserole-08-819x1024.webp)
If your family is anything like mine, time is always short. This recipe is in the oven in less than 10 minutes, and with one casserole dish, cleanup is a breeze. If you like this recipe, try chili mac, taco pasta, and chicken and noodles.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Chicken broth: preferably low-sodium
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: like Campbell’s or any decent store-bought brand.
- Italian seasoning: You can substitute dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram in small amounts to equal the sum of a teaspoon.
- Long-grain white rice: such as basmati or jasmine.
- Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cheese: sharp, mild, white, or smoked cheddar
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk the chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper in the dish.
Add the rice, peas, and cubed chicken and stir to combine. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove the aluminum foil and sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese. Put it back in the oven uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Put the aluminum foil back over the casserole loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Preparation Tips
- Grease or spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Add fresh or frozen broccoli or cauliflower for fiber, texture, and color.
- To turn up the spice, add a little ground cayenne pepper, replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning, or substitute Pepper Jack cheese for cheddar cheese.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power for short intervals until warm.
To freeze, thoroughly cool, spoon the leftovers into an airtight freezer container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat in the microwave at reduced power for short intervals until warm.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes
Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1¼ cups long grain white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk the chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper in the dish.
- Add the rice, peas, and cubed chicken and stir to combine. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese and put it back in the oven uncovered for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Put the aluminum foil back over the casserole loosely and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Grease or spray the casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Add fresh or frozen broccoli or cauliflower for fiber, texture, and color.
- To turn up the spice, add a little ground cayenne pepper, replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning, or substitute Pepper Jack cheese for cheddar cheese.
Shelly
Oh my goodness, this recipe is so yummy! I love this cheese-filled casserole. Such a tasty, filling dinner. The whole family loved it.
Beth Pierce
That is great, Shelly! I am so happy that your family loved it!
Emily
I love this casserole! Making it extra cheesy made it all the better! It is always a win when I find a recipe that my husband and kids like!
Lisa T
This is such a great dish to make, and my family loves it. It’s been a while since I made it, I need to make this over the weekend. I like to also add broccoli to mine
Opal
My family loved this casserole! It was easy to make, flavorful, and budget friendly. You have the best recipes.
Cara
This reminded me of a dish my mom used to make when I was a kid so I had to try. Brought back some great memories of family meals together!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Cara! Food can be so nostalgic.
Ben
This is crazy good. I added some broccoli because broccoli and cheese. LOL. We all loved it.
Catalina
This casserole was pure comfort food! The cheese melted beautifully, and the chicken was so tender.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Catalina!
Michelle
My Mom made something like this cheesy rice casserole when I was little, and I’ve been looking for a recipe that tastes like hers. This hit the spot, thank you so much!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Michelle!