Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and full of savory flavor. It requires only five simple ingredients and takes just minutes to prep before it heads into the oven. With tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, flavorful base made with French onion and chicken soup, this dish is a delicious, no-fuss option for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can chicken broth (15 oz)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly in a 2-quart casserole dish (11×7 or 9×9 inch).
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven, stir gently, and top with grated cheese if desired.
- Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking for added nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.
- Herb Boost: Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully cooked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken?
No, the recipe calls for cooked chicken. Using uncooked chicken would alter the cooking time and could result in undercooked poultry.
Can I substitute brown rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not recommended unless the recipe is adjusted accordingly.
What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat works well.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before freezing and use a tightly sealed container.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready.
Why do I need to cover it with foil?
Covering with foil traps steam inside, ensuring the rice cooks properly and the casserole stays moist.
Can I use a metal pan?
Yes, but keep in mind that metal pans cook faster than glass or ceramic, so check for doneness a bit earlier.
Is it okay to skip the cheese?
Absolutely. The cheese is optional and the casserole is flavorful enough without it.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice should be tender when pierced with a fork. If not, bake it a bit longer, checking every 10 minutes.
Conclusion
This easy chicken and rice casserole is the perfect meal for those nights when you want something warm, hearty, and satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and prep, it’s a classic dish that delivers on flavor and comfort every single time.
Print
French Onion Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Best Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With just five ingredients, including cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and chicken broth, this simple yet delicious dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy base come together to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 can condensed French onion soup (10.5 oz)
1 can chicken broth (15 oz)
1 cup long grain white rice
3 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
-
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, and chicken broth until well combined.
-
Spread the cooked chicken evenly in a 2-quart casserole dish (11×7 or 9×9 inch).
-
Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken.
-
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
-
Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
-
Remove from the oven, stir gently, and top with grated cheese if desired.
-
Serve warm.
Notes
Add frozen veggies like peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
