Description
This comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a hearty and creamy baked dish featuring shredded chicken, rice, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, and a melty cheddar cheese topping. It’s a simple one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, combining tender chicken and flavorful rice in a luscious sauce baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked long-grain rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the casserole mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese Topping: Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps it to firm up slightly for easier portioning and enhances flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade cream soups for a fresher taste.
- If you prefer, use cooked rice instead of uncooked for a quicker bake time, but reduce the liquid accordingly.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- For a spicier kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or paprika into the mix.
- Covering with foil prevents the top from burning and helps cook the rice evenly.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking lets flavors settle and makes serving neater.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pioneer Woman, Chicken Rice Casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken casserole
