Introduction

Pioneer Chicken Rice is a comforting, creamy casserole that brings together tender chicken, savory soup, and cheesy rice for an easy weeknight meal. This classic dish is perfect for busy cooks looking for delicious, no-fuss dinner ideas.

A white oval dish filled with a base layer of creamy white rice with a soft texture, topped with four evenly spaced baked chicken pieces that are golden brown with a slightly crispy texture, covered in a melted yellow-orange cheese layer. The cheese is spread thinly but generously over the chicken and a bit on the rice, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs for contrast. A small bunch of three fresh green leaves decorates one corner of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a soft gray cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ cups long grain white rice
2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup
1 cup water
2 cups milk
1 envelope onion soup mix (or homemade)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In the prepared dish, combine the uncooked white rice, cream of chicken (or mushroom) soups, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir well to blend all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the rice mixture, pressing down slightly so they are partially submerged.
Step 4: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sauté the chicken breasts before baking to give them a golden crust.
Try using half cheddar and half mozzarella cheese for a milder, gooey finish.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Add frozen vegetables like peas or broccoli to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and color.
If you prefer, use homemade onion soup mix to control salt and seasoning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until hot, or warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white oval bowl filled with a creamy layer of cooked rice that looks soft and slightly sticky. On top of the rice, there are five elongated pieces of chicken, each covered with a melted, golden yellow layer of cheese that has a smooth texture and some brown spots from baking. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly across the dish, adding a touch of color and freshness. In the corner, a couple of fresh green herb leaves rest on the rice, providing a fresh contrast to the warm, creamy layers. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s best to cook it separately before adding it to the casserole or adjust the liquid and bake time accordingly.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving, adding extra baking time if it’s chilled.

Creamy Pioneer Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 91 reviews

This Pioneer Chicken Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soup, cheese, and flavorful rice all baked together to create a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Soup Mixture

1½ cups long grain white rice
2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
1 cup water
2 cups milk
1 envelope onion soup mix (about 1 oz) or homemade equivalent

Chicken

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the long grain white rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, water, milk, and onion soup mix. Stir until well blended to create a creamy base.
Season Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts evenly over the rice layer. Then pour the remaining rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is covered.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to set and makes serving easier. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Using chicken thighs will provide juicier, more flavorful meat than breasts.
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving to ensure food safety.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soup and onion soup mix or make your own seasoning blend.

Keywords: chicken rice casserole, baked chicken and rice, cheesy chicken casserole, pioneer chicken rice