Name: Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great); 3 cups cooked white rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp butter or olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: chopped parsley, paprika, or crushed crackers for topping

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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a classic, comforting bake that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and a cheesy topping all in one easy dish. Inspired by the down-home flavors Ree Drummond is known for, this casserole is the kind of recipe I reach for when I want a simple, satisfying dinner that warms everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s rich, filling, and full of familiar flavors. It uses basic ingredients I already have in my kitchen, and it’s easy to prep ahead for busy nights. The creamy texture, hearty chicken, and soft rice make it the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a pan. It’s also kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners. Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
White rice (cooked)
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Chicken broth
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
Butter or olive oil
Optional: parsley, paprika, or crushed crackers for topping

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I sauté the onion in a bit of butter or oil until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. I season with salt and pepper and stir everything together.
I spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish and top it with shredded cheddar cheese.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, I uncover it and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
I garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready in under an hour.

Variations

I add frozen peas, broccoli, or mixed vegetables to make it a full one-pan meal.
I use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice for a nuttier texture.
I mix in cooked mushrooms or diced bell peppers for more flavor.
I top it with crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake it at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring occasionally. It also freezes well—just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?

For this version, I use pre-cooked rice. If I want to use uncooked rice, I need to adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, I assemble the whole casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold.

What kind of chicken is best?

I like using shredded rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor, but any cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or boiled) works fine.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely. I’ve used mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend, depending on what I have on hand.

How do I prevent it from drying out?

I make sure to use enough broth and cover the dish while baking to keep everything moist. Adding sour cream also helps keep it creamy.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is the kind of cozy, reliable recipe I keep in my regular rotation. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty chicken and rice in every bite. I love how easy it is to make, how well it reheats, and how happy it makes everyone who eats it. It’s true comfort food—simple, satisfying, and always delicious.