Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and cheesy goodness baked to perfection. Simple to prepare and full of heartwarming flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade)
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix until well combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture, then stir gently to distribute the cheese evenly. Nestle the chicken breasts on top, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Let the casserole sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use homemade onion soup mix or add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
• Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice usually requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice before baking.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, increase baking time and check internal temperature before serving.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, and cheesy rice baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, featuring simple pantry ingredients and a luscious, cheesy finish.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Soup Mixture

• 1½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade)

Cheese

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Chicken

• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Rice and Soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the long grain white rice, two cans of cream of chicken or mushroom soup, 2 cups milk, 1 cup water, and the entire envelope of onion soup mix. Stir until well blended.
3. Assemble Base Layer: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Gently stir to distribute the cheese without disturbing the rice too much.
4. Add Chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) lightly with salt and pepper, then nestle them into the rice mixture. Evenly space the chicken pieces for even cooking.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
6. Add Final Cheese Layer: Carefully remove the foil, evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
7. Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This rest time allows the cheese to melt fully and the casserole to set for easier serving.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Onion soup mix adds depth, but you can make your own blend from onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
• Covering the casserole during baking ensures the rice cooks evenly and stays moist.
• Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the cheese layer set nicely.
• For a lower fat version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.

Keywords: Pioneer Woman, chicken casserole, chicken and rice, easy dinner, baked casserole, comfort food, cheesy chicken rice