Delicious Pioneer Woman chicken rice casserole ready to serve

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines juicy chicken, creamy soup, and cheesy rice, making it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep, which is great for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze.

How to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups long grain white rice
  • 2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the rice, soups, milk, water, and onion soup mix together. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish.
  3. Add half of the shredded cheese to the rice mixture and stir gently.
  4. Nestle the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice mixture.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  6. After baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
  7. Let the casserole sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

How to serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Serve the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole warm. You can dish it directly from the baking dish. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, you might want to add some freshly baked bread.

How to store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

  • If you want to save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture.
  • Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F before serving.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by using different types of soup, like cream of celery, or changing the cheese to mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste. Adding cooked vegetables can make it even more nutritious.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until you are ready to bake. Chill it in the refrigerator, then bake when you are ready to serve.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to bake it an extra half hour or so.

3. What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
You can easily make your own by mixing dried onions, garlic powder, and onion powder with salt and pepper.