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This old fashioned chicken and rice casserole is the perfect comfort food…warm, cozy, and full of home-cooked flavor. A simple, satisfying meal that’s quick to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
One of my favorite things to make as a home cook who loves simple, satisfying meals is a warm and cozy casserole. My mom made them when I was growing up, and I carried on the tradition with my own family. This chicken and rice casserole is easy to prepare, comes together quickly, and tastes like a warm hug. As it bakes, the savory aroma fills the kitchen, bringing back memories of family dinners and the simple joys of home-cooked comfort. It’s the perfect dinner for two, with just enough left over for another helping. This casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Make This Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the melted butter and mayo. Whisk well.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and broth. Whisk to combine.
- Add the garlic, Mrs. Dash, cheddar cheese, chicken, and rice.
- Stir with a large spatula until everything is mixed well.
- Taste the mixture before adding salt and pepper. I don’t add any if my chicken is well seasoned.
- Pour mixture into prepared square baking dish.
- Top with fresh bread crumbs. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until sides are bubbling and the top is golden.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
My Best Tips
- Any kind of cooked chicken can be used: rotisserie, leftovers, baked breasts or thighs.
- To make things super easy, I use frozen Birds Eye Long Grain White Rice with Mixed Vegetables. It makes exactly 1 1/2 cups. Of course, you can use whatever rice you have on hand, or like best.
- There are many different versions of this recipe online. Most make a 9×13 inch baking dish. This recipe can be easily doubled to fill a larger baking dish.
- Sour cream can be substituted for the mayo to give the casserole a tangier taste.
- We love the fresh bread crumb topping, but a sprinkling of shredded sharp cheddar is a great alternative. Panko bread crumbs can also be used.
- To make fresh bread crumbs: put 2 hamburger buns in a small food processor. Pulse several times until the buns become crumbs. If you don’t have hamburger buns, any kind of bread can be used.
- More tasty additions:
- Carrots (pre-cooked and diced)
- Peas (fresh or frozen)
- Broccoli (pre-cooked and chopped into small florets)
- Bell peppers (diced for a pop of color and flavor)
- Spinach (chopped and stirred in for extra greens)
- Green beans (pre-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Corn (adds a bit of sweetness and texture)
- Celery (pre-cooked if desired and finely chopped for crunch)
- Sweet Onion (minced)
FAQ’s
Cooking for two can sometimes be a challenge. Many recipes make too much, and it’s easy to fall into a routine of the same simple meals. But this chicken and rice casserole is the perfect solution. It’s easy to prepare, doesn’t leave you with a mountain of leftovers, and provides just the right amount of comfort and flavor for a cozy dinner. Plus, the little bit that’s left over makes a great next-day meal. With recipes like this, cooking for two feels less like a hassle and more like an opportunity to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss.
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Small Batch Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken (about 1 lb.)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 5 oz. cream of chicken soup (1/2 of a 10.5 oz. can)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Onion & Herb
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8×8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- To a large bowl, add the melted butter and mayo. Whisk well.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and broth. Whisk to combine.
- Add the garlic, Mrs. Dash, cheddar cheese, chicken, and rice.
- Stir with a large spatula until everything is mixed well.
- Taste the mixture before adding salt and pepper. I don't add any if my chicken is well seasoned.
- Pour mixture into prepared square baking dish.
- Top with fresh bread crumbs. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until sides are bubbling and the top is golden.
- Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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I always need recipe inspiration–thank you! This reminds me of a similar recipe my mother would make using pork chops and rice.
I always appreciate recipes that aren’t meant to feed a crowd! This one sounds yummy, but unfortunately, because of my many food allergies, I’ll have to make a lot of changes before I can make it for myself. I’ll have to make my own cream sauce, use egg-free mayo, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs, but I’m used to adapting. It takes longer, but my health is worth the extra effort! Thanks for the idea.
Cooking for 2 is a challenge after cooking for many more.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Loved your chicken and rice casserole recipe!
Looks delicious!
This is going on my menu plan for next week. Thank you for sharing!
Always wonderful easy recipes and helpful hints to make our days a little easier.
Thank you!
♥️I am always looking for easy tasty recipes. This sounds delicious!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
This looks yummy! And perfect for two!
The Chicken and Rice casserole looks delicious and will be on my menu to make soon!
Just made your chicken and rice casserole! Delicious!
It’s so nice that you post recipes that are not only easy and tasty but make smaller amounts.
Love your small batch recipes; looking forward to trying this one out this week! Thank you for sharing!
I can’t wait to make this! I love the cooking for two size.
Love the cooking for two recipes!
I am not a cook and don’t even enjoy it, yet I still find something I have to try from your recipes because they always turn out! Thank you!
Yay! It is difficult cooking for two. Thank you.
Amazing ! I’ve cooked a similar casserole for 40 years but this has a few great additions which make it even more delicious.
Thank you for these new ideas!
Sounds delish!
Thanks, Ann, for another yummy recipe! I will be making this next week. Always enjoy your recipes and whenever I make one, and serve it to company, they always want the recipe! Thanks for all you do in bringing us your wonderful recipes.