Name: Chicken Recipes Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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There’s something comforting about a casserole that pulls me back to family dinners where the table filled with laughter and a few playful arguments about who gets the last piece. This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole holds a special place in that kind of memory. I love how chicken recipes like this one feel reliable. You know they’ll work, you know they’ll taste good, and you know they’ll disappear quickly from the pan. Whenever I make it, I think about how much I lean on pioneer woman recipes when I want to skip the guessing game in the kitchen. I’ve tried her chicken spaghetti recipe pioneer woman style, I’ve pulled her pioneer woman recipes dinner ideas when I’m too tired to invent my own, and I’ve even flipped through The Pioneer Woman Recipes when I just want something homey. The chili recipe pioneer woman swears by has shown up at my house on more than one game night, and I’ll admit, I once tackled her pioneer woman cinnamon rolls recipe just to see if the hype was real (spoiler: it was). This casserole comes together without fuss. You don’t need to babysit it. The oven does most of the heavy lifting. I like that because it gives me time to sip some tea, chat with whoever’s hanging out in the kitchen, or honestly just sneak a scroll through my phone. When you pull it out of the oven, the smell alone feels like a warm hug. That’s the power of good chicken, rice, and a recipe that’s been made a thousand times before and will be made a thousand more.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
4) How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
5) Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
6) Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This casserole recipe is all about comfort and ease, a true staple among chicken recipes.
You can prepare it with common pantry items, which makes it a go-to dinner option.
It works for family meals, potlucks, or even when you just need leftovers for the week.
The Pioneer Woman version inspires this dish, bringing homestyle flavor to your table.

2) Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

I like recipes that let me relax while the oven does the work. This chicken rice casserole checks that box. It’s hearty enough to feed a group and simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. The best part is that you can make it with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. When I first tried this recipe, I realized why chicken recipes stay at the center of so many family dinners. They comfort, they satisfy, and they don’t ask for much in return.

What sets this dish apart is the connection to pioneer woman recipes that so many of us have grown to trust. When I cook this, I feel like I’m not just making dinner but bringing a piece of familiar tradition to the table. You’ll taste that blend of creamy texture and hearty chicken with every bite. And let’s be honest, leftovers don’t hurt either.

If you’ve been hunting for an easy option, this recipe belongs on your list. It delivers flavor without asking for hours of your time. That’s what I want when I cook after a busy day. I want good food, without fuss, that feels like home. This casserole does exactly that.

3) Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken makes the base of the casserole. I often use rotisserie chicken when I want to save time. It’s tender, flavorful, and already ready for the dish.

Cooked White Rice: The rice brings body to the casserole. White rice keeps it simple, but brown rice works too if you prefer something nuttier. Cook it first so it blends well with the creamy mixture.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings the creamy texture that ties everything together. It gives depth to the flavor and saves you from making a sauce from scratch.

Sour Cream: The sour cream adds a tang that balances the richness. It keeps the casserole from tasting flat and makes the texture even smoother.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into the casserole, giving it that golden layer we all crave. Cheese always makes comfort food feel complete.

Milk: A bit of milk loosens the mixture so it doesn’t bake too heavy. It’s a small touch that keeps the texture right.

Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor and a touch of bite. It rounds out the taste without taking over.

Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder lifts the flavor. It’s simple but makes a difference.

Salt and Pepper: These basics season the dish and balance the creaminess. Adjust to your own taste.

Breadcrumbs: If you like a crispy top, toss breadcrumbs with butter and spread them over the casserole before baking.

Butter: Melted butter not only binds the breadcrumbs but adds richness. That crunch on top is worth the extra minute.

4) How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish so nothing sticks. I use a 9×13 dish, and it works perfectly for this amount.

Step 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, milk, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until it all looks like it belongs together.

Step 3. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Smooth the top with a spoon so it cooks evenly.

Step 4. If you want a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them across the top.

Step 5. Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the casserole bubbling with a lightly golden top.

Step 6. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before you serve. That short wait keeps it from falling apart when you scoop it out.

5) Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

I’ve learned a few small details make this casserole shine. First, use chicken that’s already full of flavor. Rotisserie chicken saves time and brings a depth of taste that plain boiled chicken might lack. Second, don’t skip the sour cream. It adds a tang that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. Without it, the dish can taste heavy.

For texture, breadcrumbs with butter give a nice crunch. I know some folks skip it, but I wouldn’t. The balance of creamy and crisp makes the bite satisfying. You can even add a sprinkle of extra cheese near the end of baking if you want more melt on top.

And one more thing. Let it rest before serving. I’ve made the mistake of digging in too fast, only to watch it fall apart on the plate. That little pause really helps it hold together.

6) Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Ahead of Time

This casserole works well if you want to prepare it earlier in the day. Mix the ingredients, spread them in the dish, and cover it with foil. Place it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s handy when you have company and want to avoid the rush just before dinner.

If you chill it, you may need to add a few extra minutes in the oven since it starts cold. Just check that it’s heated through and bubbling before you pull it out. That way, it still has that cozy feel when you serve it.

I’ve even frozen parts of it before baking. Wrap it tight, and it keeps for weeks. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge and then bake. It saves time when you want something homemade without starting from scratch.

7) Storing Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Leftovers don’t last long in my house, but when they do, this casserole keeps well. Place cooled portions in airtight containers and store them in the fridge. They stay good for about four days. A quick reheat in the microwave brings the flavor right back.

If you want the topping crispy again, use the oven. Warm it at 325°F for about 10 minutes. That way, you get both the creamy inside and the crunchy top. It feels almost as good as the first time you made it.

For longer storage, freeze leftovers. Wrap them in foil or freezer bags. They’ll keep for a month or two. When you reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole