Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

While the recipe calls for long-grain white rice, you can try using brown rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. If you opt for brown rice, you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid amount to ensure it cooks properly.

Can I make this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions. This is a great time-saving trick for busy nights!

How do I store leftover Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain its creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Description

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal. Made with tender chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

Ingredients

Scale

2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into ½-¾” cubes)
2 cups frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
1½ cups long grain white rice (rinsed well)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons seasoning salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
2 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, chicken cubes, frozen vegetables, heavy cream, chicken broth, seasoning salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Dot the top with pieces of butter.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with more broth and omit the cheese.
If you prefer chicken thighs, they can be used instead of chicken breasts.
You can use any frozen vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, or green beans.
Make sure to rinse the rice well to avoid it being too starchy.
If using pre-cooked chicken, simply add it to the casserole at the same time as the other ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 592
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1198mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 133mg