Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice in one delicious dish. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.

A close-up of a creamy baked rice dish in a white bowl, showing two layers: the bottom layer consists of shredded white chicken mixed into a creamy sauce with rice, while the top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with crispy browned spots and small bits of red. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding a fresh touch. A wooden spoon holds a portion of the cheesy rice close to the camera, with visible soft, textured rice grains beneath the crispy cheese layer. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces if preferred.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred or dice if baked whole.
  5. Step 5: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
  6. Step 6: Add uncooked rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  7. Step 7: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Step 8: Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
  9. Step 9: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  10. Step 10: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  11. Step 11: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
  12. Step 12: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  13. Step 13: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  14. Step 14: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  15. Step 15: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, Alfredo sauce, and thawed peas.
  16. Step 16: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  17. Step 17: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  18. Step 18: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and casserole is heated through.
  19. Step 19: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
  20. Step 20: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add sautéed mushrooms to the casserole.
  • Swap peas for other vegetables like broccoli or spinach for variation.
  • Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a mild kick.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy, cheesy rice dish served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer consists of shredded white chicken mixed into the rice, giving a fibrous texture with soft white tones. The middle layer is soft cooked rice mixed with a creamy white sauce, creating a smooth and moist texture. On top is a golden-brown grilled cheese layer with small crispy browned spots and garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered across the surface. A wooden spoon is lifting a portion of the dish, showing the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Adjust liquid amount and simmer time accordingly if you use brown rice or other varieties.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Print
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Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food combining tender baked chicken, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, fluffy white rice, and sweet peas all baked together for a cheesy, satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Rice

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Casserole

  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces if desired. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, shred or dice the chicken if baked whole.
  3. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to toast slightly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.
  4. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, Alfredo sauce, and thawed peas. Mix well.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Final Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  9. Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Nutmeg in the Alfredo sauce is optional but adds a warm, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
  • Feel free to substitute the peas with other vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, comfort food casserole, easy family dinner

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