Name: Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 3 uncooked chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise; 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces each) or homemade cream of chicken soup; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons onion soup mix or 1 packet dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix; 1 tablespoon fresh minced parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

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Let me tell you about this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe—it’s become an absolute favorite in my holiday meal rotation. There’s just something so comforting and joyful about a warm, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken and fluffy rice that makes it perfect for gathering around the table during Christmas or any cozy winter night. I love how it combines easy ingredients into a dish that feels fancy without any fuss.

What makes this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly special is how the flavors come together effortlessly, with creamy, cheesy goodness balanced by that subtle onion soup mix kick. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make ahead and pop into the oven when you’re ready—ideal for busy holiday schedules or when you want to impress folks without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend beautifully to give you that creamy, savory casserole we all crave, and shopping for them is straightforward—most are pantry staples, which helps when holiday prep gets hectic.

Long grain white rice: This rice keeps its texture nicely after baking, so your casserole won’t turn into mush.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar’s flavor gives the dish that classic cheesy richness; freshly shredded melts best.
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless and halving them helps everything cook evenly and quickly.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the magic binder for creamy texture—if you can, try making a homemade version for even better flavor.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the dish.
Milk: Keeps the casserole tender and moist; whole milk works best but any kind will do.
Onion soup mix: This seasoning packet amps up the savory notes—Lipton’s classic is my go-to.
Fresh minced parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the casserole and add a lovely color contrast.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—remember to taste as you go.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve tried a few tweaks, and each time, it feels like a brand-new dish.

Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber: I swapped the rice once and just added more broth to make sure it cooked through—all about that texture!
Substitute cooked shredded rotisserie chicken: For a quicker fix, grab a rotisserie chicken so you can assemble and bake in less time.
Add veggies like peas or mushrooms: Sneaking in some green peas or sautéed mushrooms kicked it up with extra nutrients and color.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese and try a homemade soup base to keep it creamy and allergy-friendly.

How to Make Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Start by measuring out your rice and shredding the cheese if it’s not pre-shredded—this little step saves stress later. Next, halve your chicken breasts lengthwise to ensure even cooking—they’ll cook through faster and stay juicy. Also, mix your condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, and onion soup mix together in a large bowl to create that luscious sauce base.

Step 2: Layer and Assemble

Grab a casserole dish and spread your uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Then arrange the chicken halves right on top of the rice. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over everything—this is what will cook the rice and infuse it with flavor, so don’t skip this! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover your casserole tightly with foil—this traps steam so the rice cooks properly without drying out. Bake for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.

How to Serve Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

A white rectangular casserole dish filled with a baked casserole that has a creamy beige base layer topped with melted white and yellow cheese scattered unevenly across the surface. There are small bits of browned ingredients mixed throughout, and the top is sprinkled with finely chopped fresh green herbs. The casserole edges show slight browning from baking. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a wooden spoon resting beside it and some fresh green herbs near the top left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a bit more fresh parsley or chopped green onions because the fresh, vibrant color elevates the look and adds a subtle crunch. A light sprinkle of paprika can also add a festive pop of color that’s perfect around the holidays.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually pair this casserole with some simple roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed green beans or glazed carrots also make lovely accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

When I serve this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe at holiday dinners, I’ll sometimes bake it in individual ramekins to make it feel extra special. Adding a sprig of rosemary on top brings a festive touch that also smells amazing as guests dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for 3-4 days. The rice might soak up some sauce over time, so I recommend reheating gently to keep it creamy rather than dry.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I usually bake it first, let it cool completely, then freeze in portions wrapped tightly in foil or freezer-safe boxes. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and warm it at 325°F (160°C) for about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. Stirring halfway through helps redistribute the creamy sauce so no parts dry out. You can also microwave single servings covered with a damp paper towel for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic and delicious, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture or pepper jack for a little spice. Just keep the shredded cheese quantity the same to maintain the creamy consistency.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just reduce the baking time since the chicken doesn’t need to cook through, and focus on making sure the rice is tender and the casserole is heated through.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To keep this casserole gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free onion soup mix or use fresh onion and seasonings instead, and choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup (or homemade). Make sure the chicken broth is also gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
How do I prevent the rice from drying out or sticking?

Covering the casserole tightly with foil while baking traps steam which cooks the rice perfectly without drying it out. Also, don’t skip the liquid ingredients—the broth, milk, and soup ensure there’s enough moisture for the rice to absorb.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bring it to room temperature and bake as instructed. This is a huge help when prepping for Christmas dinner!

Final Thoughts

This Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles, full bellies, and leftover lunches that you actually look forward to. Trust me, once you try it this holiday season, it’s going to become your go-to for effortless festive dinners.