What Is This Dish?
This is a baked chicken and rice casserole with:
- Tender chicken
- Creamy sauce
- Melted cheese
- Rice that absorbs flavor
- Optional vegetables (broccoli is common)
Everything bakes together in one dish, making it:
- ✅ Comforting
- ✅ Budget-friendly
- ✅ Perfect for leftovers
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1½ cups uncooked white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (hot)
- 1 cup milk or cooking cream
- 1 can (300 g) cream of mushroom soup
(or cream of chicken)
Cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella (optional, for stretch)
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)
- 1½ cups broccoli (small pieces)
- OR mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
Flavor & Seasoning
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
Why This Recipe Works
- Rice cooks inside the casserole, absorbing broth and flavor
- Cream soup + milk create a rich sauce
- Cheese melts and browns, forming that golden top
- Covered baking traps steam, keeping everything moist
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t already have cooked chicken:
Options
- Boil chicken breasts in salted water (15–20 minutes)
- Use rotisserie chicken
- Pan-fry chicken with salt and pepper
Then:
- Shred with forks OR dice into small cubes
👉 Chicken must be fully cooked before baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
In a large bowl, combine:
- Uncooked rice
- Hot chicken broth
- Milk or cream
- Cream of mushroom soup
Mix well until smooth.
⚠️ Important:
Use white rice, not brown (brown rice needs more liquid and time).
Step 3: Sauté for Extra Flavor (Optional but Powerful)
In a pan:
- Heat butter or oil
- Add onion → cook until soft
- Add garlic → cook 30 seconds
This step adds depth and aroma.
Add this mixture to the rice bowl.
Step 4: Combine Everything
To the bowl, add:
- Cooked chicken
- Vegetables
- Salt, pepper, paprika, herbs
- Half of the cheese
Mix gently but thoroughly.
The mixture should look creamy, not dry.
If it looks thick, add a bit more broth.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a baking dish
- Pour mixture evenly into dish
- Spread flat with spoon
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top
This cheese layer creates that golden crust you see in the photo.
Step 6: Bake (Covered First!)
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
1️⃣ Cover tightly with foil
2️⃣ Bake for 40 minutes
Then:
- Remove foil
- Bake 15–20 minutes uncovered
The top should be:
- Golden
- Bubbling
- Slightly crispy
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes.
Why?
- Sauce thickens
- Rice finishes absorbing liquid
- Portions hold together better
Texture & Taste
You should get:
- Soft, fluffy rice
- Creamy interior
- Juicy chicken
- Cheesy, golden top
- Comfort-food richness
If you cut into it and it’s still very liquid → give it 5–10 more minutes in oven.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These!)
❌ Using brown rice without adjustments
❌ Not covering during first bake
❌ Too little liquid
❌ Cutting immediately after baking
❌ Forgetting to season
Variations
1. Chicken & Broccoli Classic
- Use only broccoli
- Add extra cheddar
- Very popular version
2. Potato Version
Replace rice with:
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
Add: - Extra ½ cup cream
Bake longer: 75–85 minutes
3. Spicy Version
Add:
- Chili flakes
- Hot sauce
- Pepper jack cheese
4. No Cream Soup (Homemade Sauce)
Replace soup with:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
Cook until thick before mixing.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
- Fridge: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheating
- Oven (best): 160°C for 15 minutes
- Microwave: add 1–2 tbsp milk, cover
Make It Extra Special
- Sprinkle parsley after baking
- Add breadcrumbs + butter for crunch
- Use smoked cheese for depth
- Brush edges with butter before baking
Final Thoughts
This casserole is:
- ✔️ Easy
- ✔️ Affordable
- ✔️ Comforting
- ✔️ Perfect for meal prep
- ✔️ Loved by kids & adults