Name: Chicken and Rice Casserole: Southern Comfort in Every Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium); 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup sour cream; 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional); 2 tbsp butter

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If you ask me what real comfort food tastes like, it boils down to one humble dish: chicken and rice casserole. Growing up in rural Georgia, this dish was a Sunday standard—steaming hot, creamy, and shared with neighbors on worn wooden porches. My grandmother used to say, “You can tell how loved you are by how deep the casserole dish is.” And boy, did she serve it deep.

I’ve reworked her classic to make it weeknight-simple, but it still focuses on that same soul-satisfying balance: tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a velvety, savory sauce. What I love most? It adapts. If you’re craving something hearty or something you can prep in minutes and feed a crowd, this one-pan wonder delivers.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect chicken and rice casserole at home. I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients and prep time to clever swaps and how to keep things fresh. I’ll also answer the most common questions, like whether you should cook the rice first or use raw chicken. So, grab your cast iron pan and let’s get into the good stuff.

Southern Roots of a Comfort Classic

What Makes Chicken and Rice Casserole a Southern Favorite?

Chicken and rice casserole earned its permanent spot on the Southern dinner table because it checks all the comfort-food boxes. It’s filling, affordable, and incredibly adaptable. The base is simple—just chicken, rice, and a creamy binder—but the true beauty is how that base becomes a palette. In my house, we keep it classic with cream of mushroom, but my buddy over in New Orleans tops his version with andouille sausage and Cajun spices.

What I love most about this dish is its ability to tell a story across generations. My version is steeped in Southern charm, but I’ve also taken cues from viral trends like chicken fried rice and even TikTok sheet pan chicken. Each version brings the same story: warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Why It’s Still a Modern Kitchen Staple

Despite being deeply nostalgic, chicken and rice casserole has seen a resurgence thanks to its weeknight flexibility. Minimal prep, one dish, and ingredients you likely already have—what’s not to love?

And it scales beautifully. Whether you’re feeding two or planning your next potluck contribution, it holds up without tasting tired. Want to add a little twist? Just like I did with my go-to spaghetti squash casserole, this chicken and rice casserole can take on any global flavor you throw at it. Add curry powder for Indian vibes, or toss in kimchi for a Korean bend—yes, even Grandma would approve.

Ingredients, Timing & Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredient List for Chicken and Rice Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make a warm, creamy dish that’s perfect any day of the week:

2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium for balance)
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for warmth)
2 tbsp butter

Substitutions: Swap boneless chicken for shredded rotisserie if you want something faster. Cream of mushroom can be replaced with cream of celery or even Greek yogurt with herbs if you’re into lighter alternatives. Sharp cheddar too bold? Try mozzarella for a milder melt.

Looking to slice, dice, or portion effortlessly? A good chef’s knife like the one I use in all my kitchen prep makes it easy and safe.

Total Timing Breakdown

Prepping this meal is easier than most people think. From preheat to plate, you’re looking at about 70 minutes.

Step	Time
Prep (chopping, mixing)	15 minutes
Bake time (uncovered)	55 minutes
Total time	1 hour 10 minutes

That’s roughly 20% less than traditional casseroles that require cooked chicken or parboiled rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions You’ll Actually Follow

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13” baking dish—this stoneware option holds heat like a charm.
In a large bowl, mix both cream soups, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir in raw rice and broth until everything’s smooth. Add chopped onion.
Place uncooked chicken directly on top of the creamy rice mixture. The juices will blend into the casserole as it bakes.
Top with shredded cheese and dot with butter for that golden-brown finish.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake another 15 minutes to toast the top.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set so it scoops beautifully.

Want to reheat evenly without drying it out? I use this microwave cover to lock in moisture.

For bonus crisp, throw some crushed crackers on top in the last ten minutes—like I do in my chicken biscuit casserole.

What Makes This Casserole Adaptable & Healthy-ish?

Turn Classic Into Experimental with Simple Ingredient Swaps

If you like to freestyle in the kitchen the way I do, this recipe’s a dream. Toss in vegetables, swap protein, or jazz it up with international seasonings. Want it to echo the flavors of Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole? Add cubed bread stuffing under the chicken layer.

Add-ins I love:

Chopped spinach or kale for greens
Diced bell peppers for color
A swirl of pesto or sriracha for depth

Another riff I tried recently involved adding cooked mushrooms and soy sauce to channel flavors from my favorite fried rice recipe—the umami factor was wild.

Nutritional Considerations and Smart Serve Tips

Yes, chicken and rice casserole leans hearty—but it doesn’t have to be heavy. Here’s how to lighten things up:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Go half cheese or choose low-fat
Swap one can of soup for dairy-free, whole-food options

According to MyPlate guidelines, pairing this dish with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a leafy salad balances the meal with fiber and color. A smart portion is roughly 1 cup—enough to satisfy without overload.

Leftovers? Keep them in a glass storage set for up to four days in the fridge. You can even freeze individual servings for future cravings.

Instantly Answered: Your Chicken and Rice Casserole FAQs

Do you cook the rice first?

Nope, and that’s the beauty of it. The rice cooks directly in the casserole while absorbing all the juicy chicken and creamy soup flavors. Long-grain white rice works best for the texture.

Can you use raw chicken?

Yes! This recipe is designed to bake with raw chicken. Just ensure it’s boneless, skinless, and cut to even sizes. It’ll cook perfectly in the 55-minute bake time.

What are cream soup alternatives?

There are plenty. Use Greek yogurt for tang or a homemade béchamel sauce with chicken stock and butter. For dairy-free, coconut cream plus seasoning gives delicious results.

What’s the ideal bake time and temperature?

Bake covered at 375°F for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake 15 more for a golden top. Internal temp should hit at least 165°F for food safety.

Wrapping Up the Coziest One-Pan Dinner

Chicken and rice casserole is one of those timeless dishes that never gets old because it grows with you. Whether you’re making a childhood classic or remixing it with layers of adult flair, it always hits the soul—and the stomach—just right.

Looking to try more comfort food done quick? My hash brown casserole is another hit among busy families, while these chicken thigh recipes keep the protein game strong all week long.

Pick your seasonings, grab your casserole dish, and let the oven do the work. This meal proves that simple really can be stunning, especially when shared.

Chicken and Rice Casserole: Southern Comfort in Every Bite