Name: Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 3 uncooked chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce each, or homemade cream of chicken soup); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons onion soup mix (or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix); 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

You know those comforting meals that wrap you up like a cozy blanket? That’s exactly what this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe feels like. It’s rich, cheesy, and has just the right touch of creamy goodness—perfect for any night you want to feel right at home.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a three-layer casserole. The bottom layer looks creamy and beige, topped with a middle layer of browned bits that appear to be small pieces of cooked meat or vegetables. The top layer is melted cheese, mixed with yellow and white tones, melted unevenly to create a textured surface. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously across the top, adding color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden spoon to the left and some fresh herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this casserole has become one of my go-to comfort dinners because it’s unexpectedly easy to make yet utterly satisfying. It’s that kind of recipe you can lean on whenever you want something hearty without the fuss.

All-in-One Dish: Everything bakes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it a perfect last-minute plan.
Family Friendly: It’s cheesy and creamy without being too complicated — kids and adults alike always enjoy it.
Versatile & Adaptable: You can tweak it easily to fit what’s in your fridge or your taste preferences, keeping it fresh every time you make it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the stars of this dish — these ingredients come together beautifully to create that creamy, cheesy texture paired with wholesome chicken and tender rice. Knowing why each piece matters helps you grasp how to balance flavors or swap things out if needed.

Flat lay of uncooked long grain white rice in a small white ceramic bowl, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese in a wider white ceramic bowl, three whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pale skin arranged neatly, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with creamy pale condensed cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh white milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine golden onion soup mix powder, a few sprigs of fresh green minced parsley on a white ceramic plate, white ceramic bowls containing fine white salt and coarse black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Long grain white rice: It cooks evenly and soaks up the broth and soup, making every bite flavorful and fluffy.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that melty, gooey cheese pull that you can’t resist.
Chicken breasts: Lean and mild, they cook right alongside the rice keeping things simple and juicy.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: It’s the secret base for a creamy sauce, but I sometimes use homemade for a fresher taste.
Chicken broth: Supplies moisture and depth without overpowering the dish.
Milk: Balances richness and keeps everything smooth and creamy.
Onion soup mix: Adds that savory punch of seasoning—think garlic, onion, and herbs all in one.
Fresh minced parsley: A bright, fresh finish that brings life to the creamy casserole.
Salt & pepper: Key for seasoning — don’t be shy to adjust to your taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is — honestly, I often throw in whatever veggies I have lying around or swap cheddar for something tangier to switch up the flavor profile.

Variation: Once, I added chopped spinach and mushrooms, which added a nice earthy touch and extra nutrition without messing up the creamy texture.
Dietary tweaks: For a lighter spin, use low-fat cheese and milk, and consider turkey breast instead of chicken.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper gives it just the right kick if you like a little warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a thick slice of a baked dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow with a soft texture, the middle layer features tender cooked chicken with a pale color, and the top layer is golden melted cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs, slightly browned in spots. The dish is served on a white marbled surface, with fresh green parsley in the background and a silver fork resting on the plate’s edge. In the background, a white rectangular baking dish with more of the same layered dish is partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying your 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Evenly spread the uncooked rice in the pan — I find this works best if you gently pat it down so it’s level. Then sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded cheddar right over the top; this little trick helps lock in that cheesy flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Season and arrange the chicken

Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise for even cooking and season generously with salt and pepper. I like to do this right over the plate to avoid an extra dirty surface — then nestle them on top of the rice and cheese. This layering makes for juicy chicken with flavor absorbed from the rice mixture underneath.

Step 3: Add the creamy sauce and seasonings

Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the entire pan — I usually use a spatula to spread it gently. Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk; these liquids will cook the rice and keep everything moist. Finally, sprinkle your onion soup mix over the top — it seasons the whole dish and adds that irresistible savory depth.

Step 4: Bake low and slow

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil — I double wrap to keep all the steam in — and bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow baking cooks the rice thoroughly and tenderizes the chicken perfectly. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is soft and has soaked up most of the liquid.

Step 5: Finish with cheese and parsley

Once out of the oven, remove the foil and stir gently to combine the rice and sauce (careful — it’s hot!). Then sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the top and pop it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and gets that lovely golden touch. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving — this step helps everything set and makes spooning easier. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley for brightness and a final seasoning tweak with salt and pepper to taste.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe multiple times, a few simple tips made all the difference between “just good” and “comfort food perfection.” Here’s what I learned that’ll make your casserole stand out:

Don’t rush the baking time: I know an hour and a half feels long but it’s essential for the rice to soften fully without drying out the chicken.
Cover tightly with foil: This traps steam and avoids a crunchy top before everything cooks through—trust me, this step is non-negotiable.
Season generously: The onion soup mix adds flavor but I still taste and add salt pepper at the end — I like my casseroles well-seasoned.
Rest before serving: Letting it stand 10 minutes makes the casserole easier to serve and lets flavors meld.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh minced parsley to sprinkle over the top—it adds that pop of color and fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, a dash of extra sharp cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is quite filling on its own, I usually pair it with simple green veggies like steamed broccoli or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like serving individual portions in ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a tiny parsley sprig for that personal touch. It always impresses guests and feels extra cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before, too. Just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge—it's almost like fresh after reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the dish loosely with foil to avoid drying out the rice and bake at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating, then finish with a quick broil if you want to revive the cheese topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so the recipe would need adjusting. If you want to experiment, pre-cook the brown rice partially before baking or increase broth.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

You can make your own cream of chicken soup by combining chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasoning, thickened on the stove. This freshens the recipe and reduces sodium.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend work well too. Choose a cheese that melts nicely and matches your flavor preference.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just cool it fully, freeze in portions, and thaw overnight before reheating in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about this Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy enough to whip up any night, family-approved, and endlessly comforting. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your home like it has in mine.