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

Comfort Food That’s a Total Knockout

Ever come home after a long day and just long for something hearty and delicious? Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole brings cozy vibes right into your kitchen, all with just three simple steps! It’s that kind of dish, the kind that warms your soul and makes your house smell like a festive gathering—minus the fuss. Grab your comfy pants, because this recipe is about to become your go-to weeknight hero!

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this casserole for a few simple reasons:

• Easy Cleanup: It’s a one-pan wonder! One dish to prepare, cook, and serve—goodbye mountain of dirty dishes.
• Affordable Ingredients: All those basic pantry staples mean you can whip this up without it hitting your wallet too hard.
• Family-Friendly: Let’s face it—kids (and adults!) will dive right into this creamy, cheesy goodness. Who can resist melted cheese?

Seriously, if you’re looking for comfort food that’s almost too easy to make, this is the ticket.

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 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

You’re just a few steps away from melty deliciousness—let’s do this!

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken 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 the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole: 3-Step Comfort Food Magic (Overview)

Making this casserole is as easy as pie! Start by mixing all your ingredients in one bowl—no complicated steps here. Then transfer it to your greased dish and let the oven work its magic. Pro tip: Don’t forget to cover it with foil so it gets cooked perfectly without drying out. Sprinkle that cheese on top towards the end for that gooey finish. Voila—comfort food perfection!

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

Plating up this casserole is half the fun. Put it on the table, and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig into the creamy, cheesy layers. You could pair it with a crisp green salad for a pop of color and crunch or even some buttery garlic bread for that extra indulgence. Don’t underestimate the aroma that fills the room—it’s like a warm hug for your belly!

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

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and if you want to meal prep, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. A quick trip in the microwave or oven, and you’re back to comfy serving. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving!

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

Here are a few insider tricks to make your casserole even better:

• Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and to save time (thank you, grocery store helpers!).
• If you prefer brown rice, just remember to adjust the cooking time for a longer bake.
• Add in some frozen veggies for added nutrition and color—hello, hidden greens!

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Swap out the chicken and make it a veggie delight by using mushrooms and spinach or even chickpeas for a protein-packed twist. You could also add some spices to jazz it up—how about a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce? Get creative!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! It freezes well. Just remember to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

What if I want to use a different kind of cheese?
Go for it! Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or pepper jack could add a fun twist.

Enjoy diving into this 3-step comfort food magic; it’s simpler than you think!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Chicken Rice Casserole

A hearty and creamy chicken rice casserole that's easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can 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 Can substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken 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 the foil, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.