The Best Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

This unbelievably creamy and comforting chicken rice casserole is inspired by the classic Cook's Illustrated recipe, but with a few delicious twists! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant vegetables all bathed in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Get ready for the best chicken rice casserole you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 883.5 kcal
Protein 130g
Rating Be the first
The Best Chicken Rice Casserole 67

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for The Best Chicken Rice Casserole

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How to Make The Best Chicken Rice Casserole

  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), and 1 cup of chopped carrots. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  7. Add 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced), and 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) to the rice mixture. Stir to combine. Cook for 4 minutes, or until chicken is heated through.
  8. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  10. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbly.
  12. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

37 g

Sugar

50g

Fat

109g

Carbs

22g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make The Best Chicken Rice Casserole?

The Best Chicken Rice Casserole takes about 80 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in The Best Chicken Rice Casserole?

The Best Chicken Rice Casserole has approximately 883.5 calories per serving, with about 130 g protein, 22 g carbohydrates and 58 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for The Best Chicken Rice Casserole?

The key ingredients for The Best Chicken Rice Casserole are Butter, Onion, Celery, Carrot, Garlic Cloves, Seasoning Salt. See the full list with measurements above.

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