This Pioneer Woman–style chicken rice casserole is one of those classic comfort dishes I love making when I want something creamy, cozy, and filling. I like how the tender chicken and soft rice bake together in a rich, savory sauce that feels familiar and comforting. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for family-style dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses straightforward ingredients and comes together easily. I enjoy how the rice absorbs all the flavor as it bakes, turning soft and creamy without extra effort. It’s also a great recipe for leftovers, which makes it practical as well as comforting.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked chicken, shredded or diced
long-grain white rice
cream of chicken soup
cream of mushroom soup
chicken broth
butter
onion, finely diced
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
paprika (optional)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven and greasing a baking dish. I melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the diced onion until soft and fragrant. In a large bowl, I mix the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I stir in the cooked onion and chicken, then pour everything into the prepared baking dish. I spread it evenly, cover tightly with foil, and bake until the rice is tender and the casserole is creamy. I uncover it near the end so the top can lightly set.
Servings and timing
I usually make this casserole to serve 6 people.
Preparation time: about 10 minutes
Baking time: about 1 hour
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add peas, carrots, or celery for extra texture. When I want more richness, I stir in a little sour cream before baking. I also enjoy topping it with shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes for a cheesy finish.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the casserole in the oven, adding a splash of chicken broth if it looks dry.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
I do this often because it saves time and adds great flavor.
Does the rice need to be cooked first?
I use uncooked rice so it absorbs the liquid and flavor while baking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
I assemble it ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day before baking.
What type of rice works best?
I like long-grain white rice because it cooks evenly and stays tender.
Can I freeze chicken rice casserole?
I freeze it after baking and cooling completely, then thaw it overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman chicken rice casserole is a comforting, dependable recipe I love making when I want something warm and satisfying. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and simple preparation make it a dish I come back to whenever I’m craving classic, home-style comfort food.
Print
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic comfort food casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy soups, and soft, flavorful rice baked to perfection. This Pioneer Woman–style dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
- Stir in the sautéed onion and cooked chicken until well mixed.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until rice is tender and casserole is creamy.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to lightly set the top, if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add frozen peas, diced carrots, or celery for extra texture and flavor.
- Stir in sour cream before baking for extra creaminess.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese in the last 10 minutes for a cheesy finish.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Reheat with a splash of broth if casserole becomes dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg

