Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

There’s just something about cozy, creamy casseroles that wraps you up like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is my go-to recipe when I want to create a little magic with minimal fuss. I remember the first time I tried it—it was a busy weeknight, and I was yearning for something comforting, yet effortless. A delicious aroma filled my kitchen as I popped it into the oven, and oh, the smiles around the dinner table were worth it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish makes everything feel a bit more special.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This casserole is the epitome of comfort food—it’s layered with flavor, easy to assemble, and downright satisfying. What makes it truly special is how it effortlessly marries three beloved staples: tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich creamy soups. When you combine them all, you get a warm hug in a dish. Plus, you can whip it up in no time—perfect for those evenings when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

The convenience of using pre-cooked chicken means you can have this hearty meal ready before your favorite show starts. And the best part? It’s a one-dish wonder! Who doesn’t love the ease of fewer dishes to wash? You’ll turn to this recipe not just for its flavor, but for the sheer joy of knowing you can create something amazing with just a few ingredients. It’s comfort food magic you won’t want to keep a secret!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s bring our casserole to life with these essentials. Each ingredient plays a delightful role in turning ordinary into extraordinary.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for ease or your own cooked chicken for a personal touch. This is the heart of our dish, adding protein and rich flavor.

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: This rice will soak up all the lovely flavors while becoming tender and fluffy. Brown or jasmine rice can be a fun twist, but keep in mind they may require different cooking times.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This creamy base adds a comforting richness. If you want to avoid preservatives, you can make a homemade version—or swap with cream of celery for a delightful twist.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: The umami flavor enhances the dish beautifully. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, opt for an extra can of cream of chicken or even a cheesy soup for something new!

• 1 cup chicken broth: This is where our dish gets its moistness. Homemade broth is divine, but store-bought works wonders too. Try low-sodium options for better control over saltiness.

• 1/2 cup milk: Adds richness. You can use whole, low-fat, or even a non-dairy option like almond milk for a lighter touch.

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a pinch brings depth, but feel free to use fresh minced garlic if you have some on hand—just watch the proportion!

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A staple for flavor, it rounds out the soup base perfectly. Freshly sautéed onions would also work great if you’re looking to amp up the flavor profile.

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A bit of kick to elevate the dish. Adjust according to your spice preference!

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This ooey-gooey topping is the crowning glory! Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack for an added zing.

Preparing Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking magic. Don’t worry; it’s as simple as one, two, three!

1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for bubbling, golden delight.

2. Mix it all up! In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. It’ll look creamy and inviting—this is where the magic begins!

3. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep all that steam and moisture in. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. The rice will slowly absorb all those amazing flavors.

4. Cheesy finish: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—trust me, this helps all the flavors settle.

Best way to enjoy it

This casserole is a standalone superstar but pairing it can elevate your meal even further. A fresh side salad with crunchy veggies and a tangy vinaigrette complements its creaminess beautifully. You might even consider whipping up some garlic bread to scoop up those luscious, cheesy bits. For something a little heartier, serve alongside steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts—think green and colorful!

Dress it up if you’d like—some fresh herbs like parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a beautiful pop of color and freshness. You can’t go wrong here!

How to store and freeze

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

If you want to save it for later, this casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, or directly cook from frozen—just be prepared to add some extra time (about 30 minutes).

Helpful cooking tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: This dish is simple, so the better your ingredients, the better the flavor!

• Spice it up: If you want to kick it up a notch, add a tsp of paprika or Italian seasoning to the mix for a flavor makeover.

• Cheese swap: Experiment with different cheeses for a unique melty top each time.

• Make it heartier: Toss in some frozen peas or corn to round out the dish and add some color.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Switch up the flavors based on what you love! Try adding cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky richness, or swap in cooked sausage for a heartier take. If you’ve got some fresh herbs, like dill or thyme, throw in a teaspoon or two for an aromatic burst. And for an indulgent layer, mix in some cream cheese! Just soften it first, and combine it in with the sauces for an ultra-creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Your questions answered

• Can I use uncooked chicken? Absolutely! Just chop it into small pieces, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

• What if I don’t have any cream of mushroom soup? No problem! Simply use two cans of cream of chicken or try other creamy soups.

• Can this dish be prepared in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and bake it right before serving.

• How do I adjust the recipe for more servings? This recipe is easily doubled to feed a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish!

• Is this dish kid-friendly? It sure is! With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, kids usually love it.

Let’s wrap this up! Embrace the warmth of flavors and textures in this delightful casserole. It’s a dish that nourishes not only the body but the soul, bringing those you love around the table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make this comforting casserole your new weeknight favorite. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time Total Time 21 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 550

Best Season: Any season

Description

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy soups, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy evening!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Casserole Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (Use rotisserie chicken for ease.)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (Brown or jasmine rice can be a fun twist.)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (Can substitute with cream of celery.)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (Extra cream of chicken can be used if mushrooms are not preferred.)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium options for better control over salt.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk (Can use whole, low-fat, or non-dairy milk.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper (Adjust according to spice preference.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Can mix with Monterey Jack or pepper jack.)

Instructions

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
   Mark as complete

3. Transfer to Baking Dish

   Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
   The rice will absorb the flavors during this time.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Cheese and Finish Baking

   Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 16g80%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 400mg12%

Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This casserole can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. To ensure it’s kid-friendly, feel free to adjust the spices.

Keywords: Chicken Rice Casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, Pioneer Woman recipe