Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is one of those easy family dinners I like to have in my back pocket. It’s creamy, cheesy, filling, and comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
This casserole starts with cheesy Rice-A-Roni, cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and plenty of shredded cheese. Mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a warm and comforting dinner that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight.
If you love easy, cheesy casseroles, be sure to check out my Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel, Easy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, Casserole Recipes for Dinner, and Cabbage Casserole with Cheese.
Recipe at a Glance
⭐ Prep Time: 25 minutes
⭐ Cook Time: 25 minutes
⭐ Total Time: 50 minutes
⭐ Course: Main Course
⭐ Cuisine: American
⭐ Servings: 6–8
⭐ Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Note: The prep time includes cooking the Rice-A-Roni.
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❤️Why You’ll Love Chicken and Rice-a-Roni Bake
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when getting dinner on the table seems impossible. This simple dump-and-stir casserole needs minimal prep. Once the Rice-A-Roni is cooked, everything comes together in one bowl.
- Uses Cooked Chicken: This is a great recipe for leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken. I like having cooked shredded chicken in the refrigerator because it makes recipes like this one come together quickly.
- Family-Friendly Dinner: Every time I serve this for dinner, it disappears just like my baked chicken and potato recipe.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: The ingredients list is short and simple. You may already have these ingredients on hand in your refrigerator and pantry.
- Comfort Food: There’s just something about a warm, creamy chicken and rice casserole coming out of the oven. It’s simple food that feels like home.
If you’re looking for more easy chicken dinners, check out my full list of easy chicken dinner recipes. I’m sure you’ll find something everyone will love.
🛒Ingredients Needed
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this easy baked chicken with Rice-A-Roni Casserole.
- Rice-A-Roni: I use two boxes of cheesy Rice-A-Roni, but use your favorite flavor. Prepare the rice according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: You’ll need 4 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or chicken you’ve cooked specifically for this recipe will all work. You can use less chicken if desired. I prefer a good meaty casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A can of cream of chicken soup adds richness and helps create the casserole’s creamy texture. You could also use cream of mushroom.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream makes the rice mixture extra creamy.
- Shredded Cheese: I use shredded cheese for both the casserole and the topping. Cheddar is always a good choice, but you can use your favorite cheese.
If you love chicken and rice recipes, be sure to check out my Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe. It is a family-approved dish that everyone loves.
Looking for a cozy baked dish? My easy pot pie recipe is the perfect comfort food to add to your weekly rotation.
🔪How To Make Rice-a-Roni Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Rice-A-Roni. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the two boxes of cheesy Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole. In a large bowl, combine the prepared Rice-A-Roni, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, and cooked shredded chicken. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add to the Baking Dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon the chicken and rice mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve. Add your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
💭Expert Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This is one of my favorite ways to use leftover cooked chicken. You can also pick up a rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even easier.
- Don’t overcook the Rice-A-Roni: Prepare it according to the package directions, then assemble the casserole. The rice will continue to heat in the oven.
- Change up the cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend works too.
- Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeno or crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for an added kick of heat.
🍴Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken and Rice-A-Roni is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I like serving it with a simple vegetable or salad.
Serve it with an easy broccoli cauliflower salad recipe or old-fashioned English pea Salad.
This dish combines two family favorites – chicken and rice. My family likes bread, so a slice of parmesan garlic French bread or fluffy no-knead focaccia bread would complete the dish.
🧺How To Store and Reheat Leftovers
- To Store: Store the leftover chicken and rice-a-roni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To Reheat: Microwave individual portions until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Need a few kid-friendly dinner options? These oven-baked chicken tenders and my classic sloppy joes recipe are perfect for picky eaters.
❔Recipe FAQs
Yes. Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Just mix it in and bake as directed.
Yes. The rice should be cooked before adding to the casserole.
You can absolutely add a crunchy topping to this chicken and rice recipe. Sprinkle French’s Crispy Fried Onions, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter before baking.
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Remove the skin and bones and shred the chicken before adding it to the casserole.
More Easy Rice Recipes for Dinner
If you tried this Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
👩🏻🍳Recipe
Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken cooked and shredded
- 2 (6.9 oz) boxes Rice-a-Roni I used Creamy Four Cheese
- 10.5 ounce can Cream of Chicken Soup or Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare the Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the two boxes of cheesy Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the prepared Rice-A-Roni, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, and cooked shredded chicken. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Add to the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon the chicken and rice mixture into it. Spread it out evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with the cheese melted.
Notes
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- Chicken: Use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Use less chicken if desired. I prefer a good meaty casserole.
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- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different shredded cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend.
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- Don’t overcook the Rice-A-Roni: Prepare it according to the package directions, then assemble the casserole. The rice will continue to heat in the oven.
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- Vegetables: Add some veggies to the side for a complete meal.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly. The nutrition values are just estimates. Use an online calculator for more information.
Hi Gina, so sorry that I didn’t get back to you. I DID make this on the stove top and it came out perfectly delicious. I cooked the chicken as you suggested and I used only 1 box and followed the instructions on the box. I’ve made it this way several times now.Thank you for your suggestions on how to make it on the stove top.
I made just a few adjustments, first I used the thin chicken breasts that come in frozen section of the store. I added 1/4 cup white rice to the rice a roni and a little water to broth, Cooke for one hour. Fifteen minutes before it was done added the cheese. Served with brown buttered corn and these was a great easy meal.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and for sharing your tips and adjustments. Thank you for the comment.
Sounds delicious. Can this dish be made on the stove top?
Y oven is currently out of commission. Hoping for a quick reply. Thank you 😊
Hi Debra!
I haven’t tried this recipe on the stove top. If you try it, I would cook the chicken first in a large skillet. I would then add the other ingredients and cook until the rice is done. Follow the time on the back of the rice box. Let me know how it turns out. Thanks for the comment.
I prepared this dish today for a quick Sunday dinner. The directions were simple and well written. It’s in the oven baking now and my kitchen smells amazing. I swapped Colby Jack for cheddar and thin sliced chicken breasts and cheesy rice a Roni because it’s what I had on hand. I think this recipe will be a keeper for me in the future. I’m serving with some steamed broccoli to round the meal out. Thank you
I made this again 2 nights ago for dinner and it was still a hit with the family. I love easy dinner recipes. I’ll have to try the cheese swap and the thin chicken breasts next time. Thanks for the comment.
So easy to put together and cooks fast. I wasn’t impressed with the cheese topping. Think we’ll leave it off next time. I also used beef broth because that’s what I had. It was delicious.
This is an amazing dish! It comes together fast, and the whole family loves it!