Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that brings a sense of home to your kitchen. It’s both uncomplicated and delicious, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight dinner or when you need to feed a crowd. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness all in one dish, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it bakes in the oven. Each bite is a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re simply craving a taste of nostalgia.
Why you’ll love this dish
You’ll find that this chicken rice casserole is not just easy to prepare; it also checks all the boxes for comfort food cravings. It’s economical, requiring only a handful of pantry staples and already-cooked chicken, which can be a game-changer for saving time. Families love it for its hearty composition, making it an ideal meal for kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile—great for dinner, brunch, or even potluck gatherings.
“I whipped this up for a family get-together, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds. I love how simple it is to make, yet it tastes like it took all day. Definitely a keeper!” — Satisfied Home Cook
Preparing Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic
This casserole comes together in just three simple steps, ensuring that you won’t spend the evening chained to the stove. You’ll start by mixing together all the ingredients in a bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. Before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready to serve!
What you’ll need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Feel free to adjust any ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand—substitutions like brown rice or low-fat soups can work beautifully too.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
This casserole stands alone as a satisfying meal, but a fresh salad or steamed vegetables would complement it nicely. For a cozy touch, serve it with warm biscuits and apple slices for dessert. It’s also delightful paired with a simple green salad topped with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers can be a lifesaver. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully—even up to three months! Just ensure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. For reheating, a quick pop in the microwave or a warm-up in the oven will bring it back to life.
Helpful cooking tips
- Chicken Choices: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred it and mix it in!
- Rice Options: While long-grain rice is perfect, you can swap it with brown rice—just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook.
- Cheese Varieties: Don’t hesitate to mix and match cheeses. Monterey Jack or pepper jack could add a delightful twist.
Creative twists
Get adventurous! Consider adding vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color. If you’re feeling spicy, diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can heat things up. You can even swap the cheddar for a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor dimension.
Your questions answered
-
What’s the prep time?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and the bake time ranges from 45 minutes to an hour. -
How do I store leftovers safely?
Make sure to cool the casserole completely before placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. -
Can I use different types of rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. You may need to adjust the liquid and cook time if using brown rice or wild rice.
With its simplicity and heartwarming flavors, Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Embrace this delicious dish, and make it a part of your family’s mealtime tradition!
Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk Adjust based on preference or use low-fat options.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use other cheese varieties.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
