Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight meal. This casserole only requires four ingredients and is a one-dish delight that will satisfy even the pickiest eater in your family.
If you’re looking for a go-to dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this is the dish for you. Cheesy Chicken Rice-a-Roni Casserole combines seasoned rice with tender chicken tenders, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors.
If you love easy and cheesy casseroles, be sure to check out my Chicken Spaghetti Recipe with Rotel, Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, and Cabbage Casserole with Cheese.
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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. The best part, it only requires 4 ingredients!
- One Pan Recipe: Everything cooks in one dish, which means fewer dishes to wash, and that is always a win-win for me!
- Family-Friendly Dinner: Every time I serve this for dinner, it disappears.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: The ingredients list is short and simple. You may already have these ingredients on hand in your refrigerator and pantry.
🛒Ingredients Needed
This Rice-a-Roni with chicken recipe only needs (not counting spices) 4 ingredients. These items are usually in my pantry and freezer. Please see the printable recipe card below for a complete list of ingredient amounts.
- Chicken Tenders – I usually buy chicken tenders in two-pound packages. You can use chicken breasts but cut them into strips for even cooking.
- Rice-a-Roni – I use two boxes for this recipe. Use any flavor you like the best. It adds a flavorful and seasoned base to the dish.
- Chicken Broth – Adds a ton of flavor to this dish. I usually keep this in my pantry, but if I have some in my freezer, I thaw it and use it instead.
- Shredded Cheese – I use cheddar cheese for this recipe. It ties everything together. Feel free to use your favorite.
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.
📖Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap the chicken tenders for diced chicken breast, or even use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked turkey for convenience.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different shredded cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend.
- Broth: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or chicken stock.
- Vegetables: Add some frozen peas or corn for some veggies.
🔪How To Make Rice-a-Roni Chicken Casserole
Making this Chicken Rice a Roni Casserole is as simple as layering flavorful ingredients in one baking dish. With just a few steps, you’ll have a cheesy, comforting dinner ready in no time!
Step 1: Place chicken tenders in a 13″x9″ casserole dish. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
Step 2: Pour 2 boxes of Rice-a-Roni on top of the chicken, reserving the seasoning packets.
Step 3: Pour the chicken broth into a bowl and mix in the reserved seasoning packets from the rice.
Step 4: Pour the chicken broth mixture over the top of the chicken and rice.
Step 5: Add shredded cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.
💭Expert Tips
- Add More Broth: If your rice is absorbing too much liquid, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a little added color and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeno or crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for an added kick of heat.
🍴Serving Suggestions
This chicken and rice-a-roni recipe is easy for a weeknight dinner or your next gathering or potluck. It is always a crowd-pleaser, and people can’t believe how simple it is to make.
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.
❔Recipe FAQs
Yes. Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Just mix it in and bake as directed.
No, the rice cooks in the chicken broth, absorbing all the flavors.
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.
More Easy Rice Recipes for Dinner
If you tried this Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!
👩🏻🍳Recipe
Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken Tenders
- Seasonings of choice I used garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder
- 2 (6.9 oz) boxes Rice-a-Roni
- 3½ cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken tenders in a 13"x9" casserole dish. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Pour 2 boxes of Rice-a-Roni on top of the chicken, reserving the seasoning packets.
- Pour the chicken broth in a bowl and mix in the reserved seasoning packets from the rice.
- Pour the chicken broth mixture over the top of the chicken and rice.
- Add shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.
Notes
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- Chicken: Swap the chicken tenders for diced chicken breast, or even use a rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked turkey for convenience.
-
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different shredded cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend.
-
- Broth: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or chicken stock.
-
- Vegetables: Add some frozen peas or corn for some veggies.
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.
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!