Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that practically makes itself, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole. It’s one of those magical recipes where you simply toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and come back to a creamy, cheesy, flavorful feast that satisfies every craving. The tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and fluffy rice all harmonize perfectly, while the peas and carrots add a subtle pop of color and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole is like a warm hug on a plate—and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something wonderfully simple about the ingredients for this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole, yet each one plays a starring role in delivering incredible flavor and texture. These essentials come together to create the creamy sauce, tender chicken bits, and that perfectly cooked rice base that keeps you coming back for more.

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken: Using shredded rotisserie chicken adds effortless, savory protein and saves tons of prep time.
• 1 cup uncooked white rice: Choose long-grain or jasmine for light, fluffy grains that soak up all the delicious sauce.
• 3 cups chicken broth: This liquid cooks the rice and infuses every bite with rich, comforting flavor.
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce: Whether store-bought or homemade, the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional): These veggies add a sweet crunch and a lovely splash of color.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top, it creates a gooey, irresistible golden crust.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds just the right amount of savory warmth without overpowering.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic, familiar flavor we all love.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that brighten and enhance every ingredient.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to round out the dish.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Combine Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen peas and carrots, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and Alfredo sauce, then give everything a good stir so that all the ingredients are evenly coated and the rice is well distributed. This step sets the foundation for the casserole, ensuring every bite will be flavorful and perfectly textured.

Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish and Top with Cheese

Next, pour your mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese right over the top, as this will melt down to create that beautifully browned, bubbly crust we all crave. This cheese layer is what turns a simple casserole into a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal.

Step 3: Bake Until Melted and Tender

Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. During this time, the rice slowly cooks in the rich liquid, absorbing all the creamy Alfredo flavor while the chicken warms through. After the initial 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes to allow the cheese on top to brown delightfully. Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, your casserole is ready to come out of the oven.

Step 4: Let It Rest Before Serving

After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. This rest time allows the rice to firm up just a little, making it easier to serve and letting the flavors settle for a perfect bite every time. Plus, it gives you a moment to admire the beautiful cheesy top and get ready to enjoy pure comfort in a dish.

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds a burst of color and a fresh, mild herbal note that beautifully complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal balanced, serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These lighter sides contrast beautifully with the creamy richness of the casserole and keep the meal feeling fresh and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole scooped into individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled for a couple of minutes until bubbly. You can also accompany it with garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the Alfredo sauce, creating a truly indulgent, family-style dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This casserole actually tastes fantastic the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the rice moist and tender.

Freezing

To freeze, place the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adjusting the time to ensure it heats through completely.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For extra gooeyness, add a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating, and finish uncovered for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole?

Yes! While long-grain or jasmine rice works best for texture and flavor, you can experiment with basmati or even brown rice. Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the baking time and possibly add more liquid.

Is it okay to use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. Homemade Alfredo sauce will bring an extra layer of richness and freshness to your casserole. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and creamy enough to blend in nicely with the rice and chicken.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini depending on what you have on hand. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces—adding more veggies is a great way to boost the nutrition and add lovely texture variety.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Using your hands or two forks works perfectly to shred rotisserie chicken quickly and into bite-sized pieces that blend seamlessly with the rice and sauce. Aim for uniform pieces so every spoonful has a good distribution of chicken.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free Alfredo sauce and double-check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten-containing additives. The rest of the ingredients, like rice and vegetables, are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is truly one of those effortless comfort-food classics that never fails to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the kind of tender chicken and flavorful rice that make dinner feel like a special occasion—without all the fuss. Give it a try the next time you want a warm, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Trust me, once you do, this recipe will become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation!

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