Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for a chicken casserole recipe your kids will actually eat?  This cheesy chicken and rice casserole recipe is simple to make and uses only real ingredients instead of canned soups.  

Since you can cook the rice ahead of time and use leftover chicken, this cheesy casserole makes an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.  

Casserole Ingredients

Unlike many chicken casseroles, this one uses NO canned soups. Since I am not a fan of most canned soups, this recipe is always a staple in my menu plan.  Here are the items you will need to make this  casserole recipe:

• Cooked white rice
• Chicken breast (cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Low-fat yogurt
• Chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time

One of the best casserole tips I can give you is to prepare ingredients ahead of time.  On the weekend, make up some rice.  If you are cooking chicken on the grill, throw on a few more pieces and pick them off to store in the fridge.  Easy casseroles are at your fingertips if you do meal prep on the weekends.  

More Chicken Recipes to Try

• Chili and Lime Roasted Corn Salad with Avocado and Chicken
• Chicken and Potato Skillet Dinner Recipe
• Chicken Taco Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

Best Rice for Your Chicken and Rice Casserole

I typically use white rice for this casserole recipe because I am often in a hurry.  Can you substitute brown rice for white rice in a casserole? Yes, you can.  Just leave extra time or cook it on the weekend.  Other mixed rice blends will also work fairly well.  For added flavor and nutrition, cooking rice in stock is also a good idea.  

How to Store Cooked Chicken for Casseroles

If you have a rotisserie chicken or any type of cooked chicken, don’t let it sit for more than 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.  Separate leftover chicken into smaller containers or bags, and keep them in the refrigerator or put it in the freezer for longer-term storage. 

You can also use leftover turkey (Thanksgiving leftovers anyone?) in place of the chicken.  This cheesy chicken and rice casserole recipe uses chicken breast, however, any type of leftover chicken would work. 

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Skip the canned soup chicken casseroles and boxed foods and start with real ingredients.  Actual meat, rice, vegetables and cheese make the basis for this easy casserole and your kids will love it!

Make this in a glass casserole dish and it can go right into the fridge if you have leftovers.  Do you have a favorite chicken recipe you would like to share?

 

Yield: 4 to 6

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print

Looking for a chicken casserole recipe your kids will actually eat?  This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is simple to make and uses only real ingredients instead of canned soups. 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 large chicken breast (cut into bite sized pieces)
• 1/2 an onion, diced
• 3 TBSP olive oil
• 10 ounces of mixed frozen vegetables
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup plain low fat yogurt
• 1/2 cup or more of fresh chopped parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package directions (I use a steamer)
2. While rice is steaming heat up a large skillet with a little olive oil and cook chicken
3. When chicken is almost done, throw in diced onions and saute 2 to 3 minutes
4. Add frozen veggies and cook til heated through (5 minutes?)
5. Add in rice and mix thoroughly
6. Add cheddar cheese, mayo and plain yogurt (you can substitute all mayo and skip the yogurt)
7. Mix well and season with salt and pepper
8. Throw in parsley at the last minute and mix.
9. Serves 4 to 6 people

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 347Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 274mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 14g

Nutrition information not always accurate