One Pot Baked Chicken and Rice

Delicious easy one pot baked chicken and rice recipe – tender baked chicken baked with rice in a from-scratch casserole everyone loves!

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

If you love classic chicken and rice casserole – the kind you used to dump a can of soup over – this from-scratch recipe is for you!

It is loaded with flavor, totally customizable, and super easy.

This might become your next go-to recipe for busy weeknights!

This post first appeared on my friends site, Juggling Normal.

To see our web story for this recipe, click here.

What Rice To Use

We’re using basmati rice in this recipe for its texture and great flavor when baking.

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice? 

If you prefer to use brown rice you will need to make a few adjustments to the recipe.

Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice so you will need to adjust your cooking time.

Start by adding 15 minutes and check to see if the rice has fully cooked.

You may also want to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts so the meat doesn’t overcook and become dry.

You will want to add a ½ cup or so more of chicken stock so the casserole doesn’t become dry.

Can I use Minute Rice?

Minute rice will not work in this recipe. The long cooking time would greatly overcook the rice.

Adding Vegetables

Mushrooms, broccoli, chopped bell peppers, green beans, corn, or your favorite vegetables would be a great addition to this recipe.

Using Pre-Cooked Chicken

That would be fine but keep in mind you won’t need to cook the casserole as long since the chicken will already be cooked.

Keep an eye on the casserole and remove from the oven when the rice is fully cooked.

After you have added the cheese allow it to cook just until the cheese is melted.

Can I Use Canned Parmesan?

Fresh cheese melts smoothly and gives a nice cheesy topping for this casserole.

You could use jarred cheese if you’re in a pinch but you won’t get the nice melty cheesy topping.

The flavors will be similar.

What To Serve With Chicken and Rice Casserole

This easy casserole pairs perfectly with lots of simple, delicious side dishes like rolls, vegetables, or salads.

Some of our favorite dishes to pair with this baked chicken and rice casserole:

• 10 Minute Broccolini
• The Best Easy Garlic Knots
• Easy Fried Garlic Cheese Bombs
• The Best Oven Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
• Easy No Knead Bread
• The Best Easy Buttery Soft Dinner Rolls

We’re also sharing a couple other favorite easy side dishes:

Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Air Fried Broccoli

Pan-Fried Zucchini

The Best Air Fryer French Fries

To see more of our side dishes, please find our complete side dish recipe archives here.

To find more of our favorite salads, please visit our salad recipe archive here.

FAQs

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Mushrooms, broccoli, chopped bell peppers, green beans, corn, or your favorite vegetables would be a great addition to this recipe.

Share on Facebook

Pin this now to find it later