7 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.

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.