This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole are packed full of all the creamy comforts of a home-cooked meal. It’s grandma’s chicken and rice made easily, conveniently, and as deliciously as if made from scratch.
It’s May, and graduation season is here. I say this is a record year for graduations in my house. My daughter just completed two years of college, my husband completed his Masters in Physician Assistant studies, and my son is graduating from high school. Whew, tears welling up as I type this.
I have to say I am a proud mom and wife. These are my people and they make my heart complete. We have so much to be celebrating and are blessed abundantly. However, this momma also needs just a little bit of comfort to get through all these emotional milestones! Does anyone else like a big hug wrapped up in a casserole that tastes like grandma’s lovin’?
This casserole has so much flavor and comes together in a cinch. I am all about making easy meals that taste amazing. Casseroles are perfect for sharing, too! This week, we are planning for a graduation party with two of my son’s friends, and this was the perfect quick and easy dinner. Not to mention, it added plenty of comfort to me, too!
A few of the parents came over to work on items for the party, and they loved it. I served it with Instant Pot Garlic Green Beans and some rolls, and dinner was done!
Oh, I cannot forget dessert. They each got their own Mini Almond Bundt Cake with Fresh Blueberry Whipped Cream! Y’all check out how easy those are, too!
Chicken Rice Casserole Ingredients
- Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient option that’s already cooked, tender, and easy to shred or chop.
- Cream of Soups: A mix of cream of chicken, celery, and mushroom soups creates a rich and creamy base. You can use reduced-sodium or homemade versions if preferred.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder): Simple pantry staples that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Water and Milk: These provide moisture to cook the rice and create a creamy consistency.
- Instant Rice: Quick-cooking rice blends into the dish and absorbs the flavors without pre-cooking.
- Cheddar Cheese Blend: Adds a layer of creamy, cheesy flavor. Use a blend for depth or stick with one type of cheese if preferred.
- Panko Crumbs: These give the casserole a crispy, golden topping. Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can be used as substitutes.
- Butter: Melted butter helps the topping brown and adds flavor.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
How to Make Old Fashion Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1 | Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking
Step 2 | Prepare the Chicken
Remove the skin from your rotisserie chicken, pull the meat off the bones, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want about 4 cups.
Step 3 | Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken, cream of celery, and cream of mushroom soups with the salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Stir in the water and milk until everything is well blended.
Step 4 | Add in Chicken, Rice, and Cheese
Toss in the chopped chicken, uncooked instant rice, and shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5 | Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6 | Make the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the top with panko crumbs. For extra flavor, drizzle melted butter over the crumbs.
Alternately, you can mix the crumbs and butter together first, then sprinkle that buttery goodness over the top.
Step 6 | Bake
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake it uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
It’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges, and the top is a lovely golden brown.
Five Easy Weeknight Meals to Try
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, chopped
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups instant rice, uncooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese blend, shredded
- 1 to 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
- 4 to 6 tsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.
- Remove skin from rotisserie chicken. Pull off meat from bones and chop into bite size pieces.
- In a large bowl mix together soups, salt, pepper, onion powder, milk, water. Add in chicken, rice, and cheese and mix until well combined.
- Pour into baking dish.
- Top with panko crumbs and drizzle with butter. (You may also combine the melted butter and crumbs and them sprinkle on top of casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Want to Save this Recipe?
Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
We loved this recipe! I did tweak it a lil I cooked onion and diced carrots in chicken broth only used cream of chicken soup only and also shredded the chicken.I didn’t add the topping me and my husband aren’t fans of panko but it was so very good. Thank you for this recipe.
Thank you so much Stephanie! I am so glad to hear you loved it so much. If you want some crunch you could do a butter cracker topping instead, but it really is so good without as well.
Just made this for the first time and it is definitely going to be a staple in my meal rotation. Not only is it super easy it is also delicious
Thank you so much, Hayley! I am thrilled to know this will make its way onto your table often. Enjoy!
This is one my families favorite dishes. I used to cook mine in the slow cooker, by which takes too long. This recipe is a hit and thank you from my house to yours for sharing this yummy treasure.
Diana, thanks for sharing! I am so glad your family enjoys this one too!
It tasted great but was a little dry. I took it out at the recommended cook time and felt the rice was not quite done so I put it back in. I am sure that is where the dryness came from. Ovens cook differently, so I am gonna add a little more milk and chicken broth (I used broth instead of water).
I used more quantity of the spices but also added poultry seasoning, garlic powder and thyme. I opted for the ritz cracker topping.
I would definitely make it again.
Sorry that happened. It could be a difference in ovens for sure.
My husband has been talking about a Chicken and Rice casserole since I met him. I could never find anything close to what he described. Then I found this. He asks for this meal all the time. For such a simple meal, it is delicious. I give it an A++++++++++
Judi, this makes my heart glad! I so appreciate you taking the time to let me know! Have a blessed day!
Just made this but used basmati rice and cooked the rice before mixing all the ingredients. In the oven now…hope I didn’t ruin it!
Hope it turned out for you!
I made this last night! So easy and delicious! Wondering if you have ever tried adding vegetables to it for something different, although like I said, it is delicious exactly as is! Thank you!!
I have not added veggie in this. I bet they would be delicious. I often serve it with broccoli. I will have to give it a try.
Oh no I can’t see the amounts the recipe calls for ?
Christina, did you scroll to the bottom where the recipe card is? I just checked and I am able to see it. If you are still having an issue please let me know and I will look into it further.
Can you make this ahead of the time and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake?
I have not tested it, but I think it would work. The liquid may absorb into the rice some as it sits. I would not put the bread crumbs on until baking as they would get soft.
Thanks so much
Do you cook the rice beforehand?
No it is NOT precooked.