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Creamy Pioneer Chicken Rice Bake Recipe

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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. 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.
  3. Season Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  6. 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.
  7. 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