There’s something about a warm, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven that instantly slows time down. I remember the first time I made this baked chicken casserole with rice—it was a chaotic evening, with the kids running around and the clock ticking faster than I liked. Somehow, the scent of sautéed onions and garlic mixed with melted cheddar started filling the kitchen, and everything else just faded. I wasn’t sure if the timing was quite right or if the rice would cook perfectly, but as I pulled the foil off and the cheese browned, that little uncertainty melted away. The creamy sauce wrapped around tender chicken and fluffy rice, comforting in a way that made me forget all the distractions for a moment. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly what I wanted that night, and probably what I’ll want again soon.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-dish dinner that doesn’t demand constant attention, freeing up time for other things—even if you get a little sidetracked.
- The creamy, savory sauce balances with the subtly sweet peas and earthy mushrooms, creating a cozy mix of flavors without fuss.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, which is great because it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to come back to.
- While it’s straightforward, the combination of textures and tastes feels thoughtful and satisfying.
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need—no bells, no whistles, just comfort on a plate.
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Baked Chicken Casserole with Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and easy baked chicken casserole with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy savory sauce, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Add the sautéed chicken, onions, mushrooms, and thawed peas to the rice mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes
Don’t worry about having fancy equipment for this casserole—just a good baking dish and a skillet to start things off. I usually serve it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to add some freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping out the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese changes the character a bit, though I haven’t tested all the varieties. You could also mix in some cooked bacon or swap peas for green beans if that’s what you have on hand. Sometimes I toss in a little extra garlic because, well, I’m never quite done with garlic.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white? You can, but the cooking time and liquid amounts might need tweaking—brown rice usually takes longer to cook.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well. Just cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I make this dairy-free? You could try swapping sour cream and cheese for dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor will change a bit.
Give this baked chicken casserole a try when you want dinner that feels like a warm hug. Save it, print it, and make it yours.