Description
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice baked together with melted cheddar cheese on top. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this casserole is easy to prepare and delivers savory flavors with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 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. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour in the prepared mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set before serving, ensuring clean portions and optimal flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- If you prefer, substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another creamy soup variation.
- Ensure the rice is uncooked before mixing, so it absorbs the liquids during baking.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the seasonings.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up and improves slicing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, baked chicken, comfort food, cheesy chicken bake, Pioneer Woman recipe
