The Comfort Food You’ve Been Dreaming Of

Ever come home to the aroma of creamy, cheesy goodness wafting through the kitchen? That’s the magic of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole! This dish is a glorious three-step, one-pan wonder that brings together shredded chicken, creamy soups, and melty cheese, all bubbling together for a cozy meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or holiday gathering, this recipe has quickly become a viral favorite for its simplicity and heartwarming taste.

Why Make This Recipe

Why do you need this casserole in your life? Here are a few reasons that will have you reaching for your baking dish:

Super Easy Cleanup: Who wants to wash a mountain of pots and pans? Not us! This dish basically cleans itself (well, almost).
Kid and Adult-Approved: It’s like sneaking in vegetables—everyone loves cheese and creamy rice, right? Your picky eaters won’t even know they’re being healthy!
Budget-Friendly: No need to break the bank! You probably have many of these ingredients lying around.

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

Follow these simple steps to casserole perfection:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). (This is when you’d want to do the happy dance!)
In a large bowl, mix together chicken, rice, both soups, broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Make sure it’s well combined!
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. (Trust us, your tongue will thank you!)

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

Getting this casserole ready is a breeze! First, you’re going to mix all those delicious ingredients together until they form a creamy, dreamy combination. Next, pour it into your baking dish and let the oven work its magic. A little foil goes a long way during the baking process, so don’t skip it! Finally, that glorious cheese comes on top for a golden finish. Pro tip: Sprinkle a little extra black pepper on top just before serving for a bit of added pizzazz!

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

Serve it straight from the oven, and watch as everyone dives in! Pair it with a fresh green salad for that crunch factor and a splash of color on the plate. The melted cheese creates a beautiful crust, while the creamy rice and chicken inside are pure comfort. The aroma? Totally mouthwatering!

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

Got leftovers? Awesome! This casserole can hang out in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just cover it tightly. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warm, or use the microwave for quick bites. Planning ahead? It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can have a ready-made dinner on those busy nights!

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

Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some frozen peas or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
Leftover Magic: Use leftover turkey after the holidays. It’s delicious!
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese, like mozzarella or gouda, to mix up the flavor.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can easily turn this into a vegan-friendly dish by using canned coconut milk, vegan cheese, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Toss in some mushrooms or spinach to amp up the flavor profile!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Q: What can I substitute for the cream soups?
A: Homemade white sauce or any dairy-free cream alternative works like a charm!

Q: How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
A: Make sure to follow the rice to liquid ratio, and avoid overcooking. Trust your instincts!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!