17 Comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipes

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a warm, cheesy, and hearty chicken and rice casserole. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different flavors and ingredients.

Here are seven of the best comforting chicken and rice casserole recipes that will become staples in your kitchen.

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

This is the ultimate comfort food—simple, creamy, and packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients, it’s a go-to for a quick and hearty meal.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
5. If using crackers, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Cooking Tips & Variations

• Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
• Add frozen peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for extra richness.

2. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

This recipe combines the classic flavors of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and chicken, making it a family favorite.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, reserving half of the cheese.
3. Spread mixture into the dish, top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

3. Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

A zesty, Tex-Mex inspired dish with bold flavors.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, spread into the dish.
3. Top with cheese, bake for 30 minutes.

4. Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, spread in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes.

5. Buffalo Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced celery

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, spread in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes.

6. Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, spread in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes.

7. Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

How to Make It

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, spread in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 30 minutes.

8. Spinach Artichoke Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

It’s like your favorite creamy spinach artichoke dip—but heartier and dinner-ready.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of spinach or cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish.
• Mix all ingredients, spread in the dish, and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

9. Mushroom And Thyme Chicken Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 55 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Earthy mushrooms and aromatic thyme bring a cozy, elevated flavor without the extra effort.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Sauté mushrooms in a pan until softened.
• In a large bowl, mix everything together, spread into the dish, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

10. Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh, bright, and herby—this casserole feels lighter but still totally comforting.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine all ingredients (except cheese) in a bowl, spread in a dish.
• Top with mozzarella if desired, and bake for 30 minutes.

11. BBQ Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Smoky, tangy, and cheesy — like a backyard BBQ in a casserole dish.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix everything together, spread into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

12. Mushroom Swiss Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

If you love mushroom Swiss burgers, you’ll be obsessed with this creamy, savory twist.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix ingredients together, spread in a baking dish, top with Swiss cheese.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

13. Teriyaki Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 45 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet and savory teriyaki flavors make this casserole a fun change from the usual creamy dishes.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup mixed frozen veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Toss everything together, spread into a greased dish, bake for 30 minutes.

14. Pesto Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 45 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh basil flavor with creamy cheese — a bright, delicious twist for spring or summer meals.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix everything except half the cheese, spread in the dish.
• Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes.

15. Creamy Spinach And Mushroom Chicken Rice Bake

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Loaded with veggies but still rich and creamy — a cozy and nourishing option.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Sauté spinach and mushrooms until wilted.
• Mix everything, spread into a baking dish, bake for 30 minutes.

16. Jalapeño Popper Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

Spicy, cheesy, and so addictive — like your favorite party appetizer turned into dinner.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix cream cheese with soup first, then stir in other ingredients.
• Spread into a dish and bake for 30 minutes.

17. Coconut Curry Chicken And Rice Casserole

Cooking Time: 50 Minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

A warm, slightly exotic flavor profile — coconut milk and curry powder bring a cozy, fragrant twist.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon yellow curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)
• 1 cup peas or mixed veggies

How To Make It

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Mix everything together, spread into a greased baking dish, and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving the classic creamy goodness, a cheesy broccoli twist, or a spicy kick of buffalo or Mexican flavors, there’s a casserole here for every mood and occasion.

Now the real question is: which one will you try first? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more cozy meal ideas, be sure to check out our other comforting recipes.