The Best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe 

This Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort meal that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and flavorful seasoning in one baking dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

The best part?

Everything bakes together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time in the kitchen.

What Is a Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole?

A baked chicken and rice casserole is a one-pan dish that features chicken, uncooked rice, broth, and seasonings baked together until tender and flavorful. It’s the ultimate comfort food — warm, filling, and full of rich, savory flavors. The rice soaks up the juices from the chicken as it cooks, creating a creamy texture that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Other Easy Breakfast Recipes

• Overnight Italian Breakfast Casserole
• Make-Ahead Baked Greek Omelet
• Southern Grits Breakfast Casserole
• Pancake Sausage Casserole

Reasons to Try Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Simple and fuss-free – No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.
• One-pan meal – Easy cleanup and perfect for weeknight cooking.
• Family favorite – Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable – Works with different meats, vegetables, and seasonings.
• Budget-friendly – Made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Combine the base

In the baking dish, add rice, chicken broth, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Add the chicken

Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. Brush them with melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.

Step 4: Bake covered

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.

Step 5: Uncover and finish baking

Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese if desired, and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and the chicken skin is crispy.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

What Goes Well With Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Garden salad – Light and refreshing to complement the hearty casserole.
• Garlic bread – Adds a flavorful crunch on the side.
• Coleslaw – A creamy, tangy side that balances the richness.
• Roasted asparagus – A simple vegetable side that pairs beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Use long-grain rice – It stays fluffy and absorbs flavor well.
• Cover tightly – Keeps moisture locked in for perfectly tender rice.
• Don’t overbake – Remove once the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is cooked.
• Add vegetables – Peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions.
• Use good-quality broth – It’s key to the casserole’s flavor.
• Let it rest – Allows rice to absorb any remaining moisture.

Creative Variations of Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Creamy mushroom version – Add a can of cream of mushroom soup for richness.
• Cheesy broccoli twist – Mix steamed broccoli and cheddar into the rice.
• Spicy kick – Add paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for heat.
• Mediterranean style – Include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta.
• Herb lover’s mix – Use fresh rosemary, parsley, and thyme for aroma.

Storage Guidelines for Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Keep covered – Prevents rice from drying out in the fridge.
• Reheat with broth – Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Reheating Tips for Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Oven method – Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave method – Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• From frozen – Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or until hot.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 540 mg

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in a baked chicken and rice casserole?

Yes, you can use uncooked long-grain white rice. It cooks perfectly in the oven as it absorbs the broth and milk during baking. Just make sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes to trap moisture.

How do you keep chicken and rice casserole from drying out?

The key is to cover the casserole while baking to retain moisture. Using enough broth or milk ensures the rice stays soft and creamy. Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking also helps redistribute the juices.

Can I make baked chicken and rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s still cold.

What’s the best type of chicken to use for a baked chicken and rice casserole?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs give the most flavor and stay juicy while baking. You can also use boneless breasts, but cover them well and avoid overbaking to keep them tender.

Final Words

This Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is a timeless classic that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease all in one dish. With minimal effort and wholesome ingredients, you can create a family meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for any day of the week. Serve it fresh from the oven for a dinner everyone will love.

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