Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Combining tender chicken, flavorful soups, and cheesy goodness, it’s a simple recipe that satisfies everyone at the table.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
- Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or cream of broccoli for a different flavor.
- Add chopped vegetables like peas or carrots to sneak in extra nutrition.
- For a creamier casserole, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it isn’t recommended for this recipe as written. If you want to use brown rice, pre-cook it separately before mixing or adjust liquid and bake time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake it straight from the fridge but add a bit more time to ensure the rice cooks through completely.
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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty chicken rice casserole packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. This easy, one-dish meal combines savory flavors and makes for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and pour the chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Bake Again: After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and return it to the oven. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your delicious chicken rice casserole warm.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the mix.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during the first part of baking to prevent the rice from drying out.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, use whole milk instead of 1/2 cup milk.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger crowds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken rice casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, baked casserole, cheesy chicken dish
