Description
This comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, long-grain rice, creamy soups, and melted cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked long-grain rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well blended.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and pour the combined mixture evenly into the dish.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and the casserole to cook through.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes outside the oven to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Using cooked shredded chicken saves time but you can cook and shred chicken breasts specifically for this recipe if desired.
- For a creamier texture, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
- Covering with foil initially prevents the casserole from drying out during cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or chopped bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for a comforting leftover meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken rice casserole, Pioneer Woman recipe, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, easy dinner, creamy chicken rice
