Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

why make this recipe

This casserole is simple and comforting. It uses cooked chicken and pantry soups. You can make it for a busy weeknight or a family meal. It fills the table and most people like it.

introduction

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is creamy and warm. It needs few ingredients. You mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, and spices, bake, and top with cheese. It cooks mostly in the oven, so you can get other things ready while it bakes. Try a similar easy dish like chicken noodle casserole if you want a different noodle base.

Chicken Rice Casserole

This creamy and comforting chicken rice casserole combines cooked chicken, rice, and pantry soups into a warm dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice Ensure rice is well mixed with the liquids.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup Can use cream of celery for a milder taste.
• 1 cup chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a different flavor.
• 1/2 cup milk Dairy-free alternatives can be used.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of dried thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For an extra cheesy top, mix with other cheeses.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm and pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables. For crunch, try adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. Cool leftovers to room temperature before storing in the fridge or freezer.

Keyword Casserole Recipe, Chicken Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Pioneer Woman

how to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Follow the steps below. Use cooked chicken and uncooked rice. Mix well so the rice soaks up the liquid. Cover the dish at first so the rice cooks fully. Uncover near the end and add cheese to brown. For a crunch on top, try breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

You can also find a twist with crunchy toppings here: Cheesy Doritos Chicken Casserole for ideas on texture.

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

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Cut into squares and serve warm. It goes well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Offer extra hot sauce or salsa if someone likes more flavor. A side of crusty bread also works.

how to store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature within two hours. Put in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.

tips to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

• Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie for fast prep.
• Stir the mix well so rice stays in the liquid and cooks through.
• If your oven runs hot, check at 10 minutes earlier.
• Let it rest before cutting so it sets and keeps shape.
• For flavor boost, add a little white pepper or a pinch of dried thyme.
• For an extra cheesy top, add a mix of cheeses. See a different flavor mix in this recipe: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.

variation (if any)

• Add frozen peas and carrots for color and more veg.
• Swap cream of mushroom for cream of celery for a milder taste.
• Use brown rice but increase liquid and bake longer.
• Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with butter for crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use instant rice?
A: Yes. Cut the oven time and check the rice package instructions. Instant rice cooks faster and needs less liquid.

Q: Do I need to cook the chicken first?
A: Yes. Use cooked chicken (leftovers or rotisserie). Raw chicken will not cook fully in this bake.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try dairy-free soups, milk, and cheese alternatives. Taste will change, but it will still work.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger dish and adjust bake time. Make sure rice has room to cook evenly.

Conclusion

If you want more casserole ideas, try this Broccoli Chicken Casserole from Ree Drummond: Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe. For a classic home-style version, see Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. If you like broccoli and rice together, this is a good option: Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe.