Name: Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken.); 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (Do not substitute with other types of rice.); 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can.); 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can.); 1 cup chicken broth (Use low-sodium if preferred.); 1/2 cup milk (For extra creaminess, add more if needed.); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack.)

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Why Make This Recipe

When you are looking for a dish that is comforting, filling, and easy to make, Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. This casserole offers a warm and cozy feeling that makes it great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You can have a delicious meal on the table with very little effort and a short cooking time. It’s also a one-dish meal, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward!

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. The award-winning combination of chicken, creamy soups, rice, and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Its creamy texture and cheesy topping make every bite feel like a hug on a plate. Plus, it is super easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have at home.

Let’s get started on how to prepare this delicious Chicken Rice Casserole!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a warm and delicious meal.

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 the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole is cooked evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, uncooked long-grain rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. This step is important so that all the flavors blend together.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure the dish is greased well so that the casserole does not stick.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb all the flavors.
Add Cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake it for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Let it Rest: Once it’s done baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Serving Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is just as simple as making it. Cut it into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife. Place the portions on plates or serve directly from the baking dish. You can pair it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to balance the meal.

For a little extra flavor, you can also top each serving with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. If you want to spice it up, a drizzle of hot sauce can also be a tasty addition.

This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven. However, it can also be delicious when reheated.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

If you have leftovers (though it’s hard not to eat it all), storing Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a breeze. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, this casserole freezes well. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and then heat it in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Cook Your Chicken: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It saves time and adds great flavor.
Rice Type: Make sure to use long-grain rice as it cooks perfectly in this casserole. Do not substitute with other types of rice, as they may not yield the same results.
Creaminess: For extra creaminess, consider adding a bit more milk or broth if you think the mixture is too thick.
Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different taste.
Herbs and Spices: You can add extra herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor. Just be careful not to overdo it, so you don’t overpower the main ingredients.

Variation

If you’d like to switch things up a bit, consider adding vegetables to the dish. Frozen peas, corn, or broccoli can easily be mixed in with the other ingredients. This not only adds more color to the dish but also boosts its nutrition.

You might also try swapping out one of the cream soups for a different flavor, like cream of celery or a cheddar cheese soup, to create your own unique version of this comforting casserole.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you are ready to cook it. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it is cold right from the fridge.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but if you use brown rice, it will require additional liquid and a longer cooking time. It is best to cook brown rice partially before mixing it into the casserole to ensure everything is cooked properly.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite beans, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. The cream of chicken soup can be substituted with a cream of vegetable soup or a homemade equivalent to maintain flavor.

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is indeed a simple, satisfying dish that will keep your family coming back for more. With a few easy steps, you can create a meal that is both comforting and delicious!