Name: Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole: 9 Creamy Reasons to Make This Cozy Weeknight Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or cubed; 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice; 2½ cups chicken broth; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2–3 cups sliced mushrooms (button or cremini); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup sour cream or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Looking for a dish that brings together hearty protein, rich flavor, and warm, creamy comfort all in one pan? This Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole is the answer. It’s easy, satisfying, and loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice, and layers of melted cheese. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or a cozy make-ahead meal, this casserole covers it all.

Unlike complicated stovetop dinners, this one-pan wonder bakes hands-free in the oven. The result is a golden, bubbling cheesy rice casserole with a perfectly creamy texture that rivals any comfort dish. It’s ideal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone craving simple, soul-warming food. Plus, with plenty of customization options, it can fit your taste and pantry.

If you love dishes like butter chicken skillet or hashbrown casseroles, this chicken and mushroom rice bake is bound to become a staple.

What Is Chicken and Mushroom Rice Casserole?

This classic dish combines cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and rice in a creamy base, often enriched with cheese, herbs, and seasonings. The casserole is then baked until hot and bubbly. The finished mushroom rice casserole has the depth of a slow-simmered meal but with the simplicity of a dump-and-bake recipe.

Chicken and mushroom is a timeless flavor duo—savory, earthy, and well-balanced. Add tender rice and gooey cheese, and you get a casserole that feels indulgent but is easy to assemble. This is one of those cheesy rice casseroles that tastes like it took hours, even though it didn’t.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Cheesy Rice Perfection

This chicken mushroom rice casserole is made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or cubed
1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2½ cups chicken broth
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2–3 cups mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work well)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

These ingredients create that signature creamy cheesy rice texture and classic chicken mushroom rice flavor you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Mushroom Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until tender and browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Mix the casserole base
In a large bowl, combine sautéed veggies, cooked chicken, uncooked rice, broth, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheese, and half the Parmesan. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Assemble and bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Top and finish baking
Remove foil. Sprinkle remaining cheese and Parmesan over the top. Return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

The result is a rich, savory, ultra-satisfying chicken mushroom rice casserole you’ll want to add to your weekly dinner rotation.

Best Rice and Cheese for a Creamy Mushroom Rice Casserole

For best results, use long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati. Avoid minute or instant rice—it can turn mushy during baking. If you prefer whole grain, brown rice works too, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.

When it comes to cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully into that perfect creamy cheesy rice layer. Parmesan adds umami depth and a slightly salty bite.

This combo gives your mushroom rice a soft, cheesy finish that’s hard to resist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Easy Baked Dinner

Large skillet
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch casserole dish
Foil for baking
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

This is a true one-dish dinner, so cleanup is easy, and you don’t need any fancy equipment to make it happen.

Tips to Make Your Chicken and Mushroom Rice Extra Creamy and Flavorful

Use full-fat sour cream or cream for richness
Sauté mushrooms until browned to enhance their savory flavor
Don’t overcook rice—bake until just tender for perfect texture
Let casserole rest after baking to thicken slightly before serving
For a sharper flavor, mix in a bit of Gruyère or Swiss cheese

These simple tips help elevate the flavor of your chicken mushroom rice and ensure the dish turns out delicious every time.

Variations: Cheesy Rice Casserole with Spinach, Broccoli, or No Chicken

This chicken mushroom rice casserole is easy to customize:

Spinach or kale: Stir in fresh baby spinach or kale before baking
Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli florets for a veggie-packed version
No chicken: Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using veggie broth
Turkey or ham: Swap chicken for holiday leftovers
Extra creamy: Mix in cream cheese for an ultra-rich finish

These twists make it one of the most flexible cheesy rice casseroles you can keep in your recipe rotation.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Mushroom Rice

This casserole is a meal prep dream. You can:

Assemble ahead and store in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours
Bake, cool, and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw in fridge before reheating
Freeze individual portions for quick lunches

It reheats well and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Creamy Cheesy Rice

While this mushroom rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, here are some great sides:

Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted carrots or green beans
Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
A light cucumber or tomato salad
Steamed broccoli or peas

Pairing these with your chicken and mushroom rice balances richness with freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mushroom Rice Casserole

Using too little liquid: Rice won’t cook properly
Using instant rice: Can turn mushy
Skipping the foil: Causes uneven cooking
Overbaking: Dries out the rice and chicken
Forgetting to rest: Casserole won’t set properly

Follow the instructions closely, and your chicken mushroom rice casserole will come out creamy and flavorful every time.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Storage:
Let cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes
Reheat in oven at 350°F, covered, for 15–20 minutes
Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to keep moist

This is one of those cheesy rice casseroles that actually tastes even better the next day.

FAQs About Chicken and Mushroom Rice Casserole

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds even more flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based sour cream and dairy-free cheese. Choose a creamy oat or almond milk if needed.

Can I use wild rice?
Yes, but increase the cook time and use a blend with white rice for better texture.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking or before, and thaw before reheating for best results.

What other mushrooms work?
Cremini, portobello, and shiitake all work great. Just slice thin for even cooking.

More Cozy Bakes: Cheesy Rice, Chicken Casseroles, and Mushroom Meals

Looking for more comforting recipes like this? Try:

These dishes are perfect complements to your casserole repertoire.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a wholesome, cozy meal that brings the whole family to the table, this chicken mushroom rice casserole is it. Packed with flavor, texture, and comforting cheesy goodness, it’s one recipe you’ll make on repeat.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your fellow casserole lovers and subscribe for more cheesy, hearty, weeknight-perfect meals straight from the oven.

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