Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic

Why Make This Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. It’s a simple dish that combines chicken, rice, and creamy soups, topped with cheesy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole takes minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice 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:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  5. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer extra cheese or hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra flavor.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

  • If you want to save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
  • Make sure to mix the ingredients well so that the rice cooks evenly.
  • Add some frozen vegetables like peas or carrots to the mixture for extra nutrition and color.

Variation

You can customize this casserole by adding other ingredients like diced onions, bell peppers, or even different types of cheese. Experiment with your favorite flavors to make it your own!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, you can use dairy-free versions of the cream soups and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting chicken and rice casserole with creamy soups and cheesy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice For best results, ensure rice is rinsed.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup You can use a dairy-free version if needed.
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup You can use a dairy-free version if needed.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium broth is recommended.
  • 1/2 cup milk Substitute with almond or oat milk for dairy-free.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use your favorite cheese.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Baking
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with side salads or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Add frozen vegetables for extra nutrition and color.