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Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole – Best Weeknight Dinner

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This easy cheesy chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate weeknight dinner—creamy, comforting, and ready in about an hour with just 10 minutes of prep. Made with simple pantry ingredients like rotisserie chicken, cream soups, and cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
  • 1 cup milk, whole or 2%
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for cracker topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of butter or oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk until smooth.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.
  5. Fold in the cooked chicken and the sautéed onion-garlic mixture until well combined.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top. If using cracker topping, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 10-15 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic for best flavor. Use block cheese and shred it yourself for better melting. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up properly. For high altitude, add an extra 1/4 cup of broth and bake longer. This casserole freezes well—assemble without topping, freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, casserole recipe, chicken casserole

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/easy-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole-best-weeknight-dinner/