why make this recipe
This dish warms the house and fills plates fast. It uses simple pantry items and cooked chicken. You can make it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night at home. If you like easy chicken ideas, check this simple guide: easy chicken crock-pot ideas.
introduction
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is three-step comfort food. You mix cooked chicken, rice, soups, and a few seasonings. Then you bake it covered, add cheese, and bake until golden. It tastes like home and needs little hands-on time. For more simple chicken dishes, see this quick list: simple chicken recipes.
how to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Step 1: Mix the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, soups, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Step 2: Pour the mix into a greased 9×13-inch dish, cover with foil, and bake.
Step 3: Remove foil, add cheese, bake a little more, then rest 5 minutes. That is all — three clear steps to a warm, cheesy casserole.
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 :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
how to serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Serve hot in scoops on plates. Add a green side like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. You can pair it with rolls or simple roasted vegetables. For easy party ideas that go well with casseroles, look here: best party food ideas.
how to store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly and keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until hot. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie to save time.
- Stir the rice well so it cooks evenly in the bake.
- If the top browns too fast, cover with foil again while baking.
- For creamier texture, add a little more milk or broth.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 cup frozen peas and carrots for color and veggies.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder cheese.
- Use brown rice, but cook it first and reduce baking time.
- Stir in a small can of drained mushrooms or chopped green chiles for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Shred it and use it cold or warm. It saves time.
Q: Do I need to cook the rice first?
A: No. This recipe uses uncooked long-grain rice and bakes it in the casserole.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: Can I use low-fat soups or milk?
A: Yes. The dish will be lighter but still tasty.
Q: How do I know when the rice is done?
A: The casserole should be bubbly and the rice tender when you test it with a fork.
Conclusion
If you want a sweet, pull-apart treat to serve after this meal, try this Easy Monkey Bread Recipe – How to Make Monkey Bread: Easy Monkey Bread Recipe – How to Make Monkey Bread.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.