Chicken and Rice Casserole (Printable Recipe)

Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables in a creamy, cheesy embrace - the ultimate one-pan comfort food for any occasion.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
02 - 1 cup long grain white rice
03 - 2 ½ cups chicken broth
04 - 1 cup milk
05 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1 cup frozen peas
07 - 1 cup sliced carrots
08 - 1 small onion, diced
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 2 tablespoons butter

→ Optional Add-ins

14 - ½ cup frozen corn
15 - ½ cup sliced mushrooms
16 - Chopped parsley or chives
17 - Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
02 - Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until translucent, then add to the rice mixture.
03 - In a large bowl, mix uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and sautéed onions/garlic.
04 - Fold in shredded chicken, carrots, peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
05 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
06 - Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
07 - Uncover and broil for 5–10 minutes for a golden cheese crust, if desired.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - For added crunch, top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before broiling.
02 - This recipe is adaptable; you can use different vegetables or replace chicken with turkey or tofu for variation.