If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Made From Scratch Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant vegetables, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese all baked to perfection. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy richness and hearty texture that’s bound to become your new weeknight favorite or potluck showstopper. Plus, making it from scratch means you control every ingredient, creating a wholesome meal that brings out the best flavors without any shortcuts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the casserole’s flavor, texture, and color. From the savory cooked chicken to the creamy sour cream and sharp cheddar, every component works together to make this dish shine.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast (2 cups): Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded for the perfect protein base.
- Long-Grain Rice (1 cup): This gives a light and fluffy texture, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): Adds moisture and infuses the rice with deep, savory flavor.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): The star ingredient for that creamy, tangy, cheese pull everyone loves.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Brings richness and helps bind the casserole naturally.
- Onion, diced (1 medium): Adds a gently sweet and savory aroma when sautéed.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Boosts the savory depth with its aromatic punch.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup): Brightens the dish with color and adds a nutritional boost.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for sautéing and bringing out the flavors of onion and garlic.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Simple but crucial seasonings to enhance every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Made From Scratch Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm-up sets the perfect stage for melding all the incredible flavors together in the baking dish later.
Step 2: Sauté Onions
Warm your olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add diced onions. Let them cook slowly until translucent, about 5 minutes. This step softens the onions and draws out their natural sweetness, which is key for building the dish’s flavor base.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Garlic is a small but mighty ingredient—its aroma adds a delicious depth that complements the chicken and cheese wonderfully.
Step 4: Combine Rice and Broth
In a large bowl, mix the long-grain rice with the chicken broth and the sautéed onion-garlic mixture. Stir everything well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and begins to soak up all those tasty juices.
Step 5: Incorporate Chicken
Add your cooked, shredded chicken to the rice mixture. This ensures every spoonful will have tender, juicy pieces of chicken that are infused with the savory backdrop you’ve created.
Step 6: Mix in Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. The sour cream doesn’t just add richness—it also helps bind the casserole for that perfect comforting texture.
Step 7: Add Vegetables and Season
Fold in the frozen mixed vegetables and season everything with salt and pepper. This is where the dish gains a burst of color and freshness, and seasoning is adjusted to your taste for that perfectly balanced bite.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese all over the top to guarantee a golden, bubbly cheese crust once baked.
Step 9: Cover and Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This gentle baking allows the rice to finish cooking and the flavors to harmonize beautifully.
Step 10: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to melt and bubble that irresistible cheese topping. The result is a perfectly crisp and cheesy crust that invites you to dive in.
Step 11: Rest Before Serving
Let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This little wait helps it set nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy every cheesy, chicken-filled bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Made From Scratch Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, cheesy flavors perfectly. A light drizzle of hot sauce can also add a fun kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli makes a wonderful crisp and healthy contrast to this hearty casserole. Simple roasted vegetables such as carrots or asparagus also pair beautifully and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Made From Scratch Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming dinner party or meal prep convenience. You can also top it with some crunchy breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking for an exciting textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before covering to maintain the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover casserole in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap tightly with foil or use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn and preserve those delicious flavors.
Reheating
For reheating, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heat.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of long-grain rice?
Absolutely! While long-grain rice gives a fluffier texture, white rice works well too; just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed as different rice types absorb liquid at different rates.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as it stands this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your broth and sour cream labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Cooked turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken work wonderfully. For a vegetarian twist, try replacing chicken with seasoned tofu or a medley of mushrooms.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt can help lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Cover the casserole with foil while reheating to keep the moisture sealed in. Adding a splash of chicken broth before warming can also revive the creamy texture nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Made From Scratch Recipe that feels both indulgent and homemade. It’s a versatile dish that hugs you with comfort and delivers on flavor. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, creamy, and delicious bite as much as I do.
