Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
This hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a cheesy, savory sauce made with soup and onion mix. It’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck, delivering rich taste with minimal effort.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 envelope (about 1 oz) onion soup mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the long grain white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir well until fully blended.
- Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. Place the three boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, pressing them slightly to submerge.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Add Remaining Cheese and Broil: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, and place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and cool slightly for perfect portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Use homemade onion soup mix by mixing onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and garlic powder if preferred.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cover tightly with foil during baking to prevent drying out.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pioneer Woman, Chicken Rice Casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, baked chicken dish, cheesy casserole