Description
This quick and easy Chicken Rice and Veggies Casserole combines tender chicken, melty cheese, frozen mixed vegetables, and a creamy chicken gravy sauce for a comforting dinner that’s ready in under an hour. Made with simple pantry staples like rice, condensed soup, and gravy mix, it’s a delicious and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked (long or short grain)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
Chicken and Veggie Mixture
- 3 cups frozen mixed veggies
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken (canned or rotisserie)
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Gravy Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed chicken soup
- 1 package (0.87 oz) chicken gravy mix
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine uncooked rice, water, and chicken bouillon. Cook according to package directions, which usually takes about 20 minutes at a simmer with the pot covered until rice is tender and water absorbed.
- Prepare Chicken and Veggies: While the rice cooks, in a large mixing bowl combine the frozen mixed veggies, chopped cooked chicken, and 2 cups shredded cheese. Set aside.
- Make the Gravy Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, salt, ground pepper, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Combine All Ingredients: Pour the gravy sauce into the bowl with the chicken, veggies, and cheese. Once the rice has finished cooking, pour the hot rice directly into the bowl and mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the casserole mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with 1 to 1.5 cups of shredded cheese for a cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy chicken rice casserole hot!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to swap frozen mixed veggies for your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn.
- Adjust the amount of cheese on top according to your preference or omit for a lighter version.
- Make sure to stir the casserole mixture well to avoid clumps of gravy mix.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
