Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
• The Magic of One-Pan Comfort
• How Patricia Universe Brings Easy Recipes to Life
• Perfect for Family Dinners and Meal Prep
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
• Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate in easy recipes — a one-pan wonder with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice that your family will ask for again and again. Made with pantry staples, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or simple meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for easy recipes that bring real comfort without the hassle, this dish hits the mark. In just one pan, you get tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Best of all? It’s a hands-off, oven-baked classic that lets you relax while it cooks.

The Magic of One-Pan Comfort

There’s something magical about meals that come together in one dish — less cleanup, more flavor. This casserole uses uncooked rice that absorbs every bit of seasoning and moisture while baking. Inspired by healthy chicken casserole recipes, it brings all the comfort of a traditional bake without the extra fuss.

How Patricia Universe Brings Easy Recipes to Life

At Patricia Universe, easy recipes are our specialty. Patricia’s goal is to help home cooks simplify dinner while keeping flavor front and center. This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a prime example of that mission — hearty, budget-friendly, and loved by kids and adults alike.

Perfect for Family Dinners and Meal Prep

Looking for easy dinner recipes for family with kids? This casserole is a winner! It stores well, reheats beautifully, and can easily be portioned into meal prep containers. Pair it with a salad or roasted veggies for a wholesome, balanced plate.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors

Using accessible ingredients like canned soups, rice, and boneless chicken, this dish proves that easy fast dinner recipes vegetarian or not can still be packed with flavor. Add your favorite shredded cheese or herbs to elevate it even more.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Serve this hearty casserole alongside pepperoni rolls with biscuits or a simple side salad. It also pairs nicely with roasted broccoli or buttered corn. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or entertaining guests, it’s one of those gigihadid pasta recipe-worthy meals you’ll return to often.

Notes & Tips

For best results, avoid instant rice and use long-grain white rice. If you want a lighter touch, swap cream of chicken soup with a low-sodium or reduced-fat version. You can even add frozen peas or carrots before baking for extra color and nutrition. And don’t skip the foil cover — it’s key for fluffy rice and moist chicken.

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole for Busy Weeknights

This easy recipes favorite features juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy mushroom sauce baked to perfection.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keywords: easy dinner recipes for family with kids healthy meal ideas, easy fast dinner recipes vegetarian, easy recipes, Gigi Hadid Pasta Recipe, Ginger Desserts, Healthy Chicken Casserole, Pepperoni Rolls With Biscuits

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice (not instant)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion until soft (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together rice, both soups, water or broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
7. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
8. Optional: Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, and return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to melt.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture. Avoid using instant rice as it cooks too quickly.