Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts nestled in a cheesy rice mixture flavored with onion soup mix and cream of chicken or mushroom soup. Perfect for a hearty family dinner with easy prep and a deliciously satisfying result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup (about 10.5 oz each)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 envelope onion soup mix (approximately 1 oz, or homemade equivalent)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix the Rice Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the 1½ cups of long grain white rice, 2 cans of cream of chicken or mushroom soup, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup water, and 1 envelope of onion soup mix. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture, stirring gently to incorporate the cheese somewhat. Then arrange the 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is fully done (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Add Remaining Cheese: After baking, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for a few minutes if you want the cheese to melt, or let it melt from the residual heat.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for 15 to 20 minutes after removing from the oven. This resting time helps the rice absorb extra moisture and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier casserole.
- For homemade onion soup mix, combine dehydrated onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, parsley, thyme, and onion powder.
- Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent the rice from drying out during baking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: Chicken Rice Casserole, Creamy Casserole, Comfort Food, One-Dish Meal, Easy Dinner
