**Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe**
When it comes to easy, comforting meals that bring the whole family to the table, nothing quite beats a casserole – and this Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a shining star. Combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce, fluffy rice, and melty mozzarella, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and simple to make.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only does this casserole come together quickly (just over an hour total), but it’s also gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down prep time and adds a delicious smoky flavor with minimal effort. Plus, folding in frozen peas and carrots adds a pop of color and a bit of extra nutrition—though they’re totally optional if you’re looking to keep things super simple.
### Ingredients Breakdown
– **Shredded rotisserie chicken:** Packed with flavor and a huge shortcut that deepens the dish.
– **Uncooked white rice:** Long-grain or jasmine work beautifully here, cooking right along with the casserole.
– **Chicken broth:** Infuses the rice with savory goodness while keeping things moist.
– **Alfredo sauce:** The creamy heart of the recipe, binding everything together in luscious richness.
– **Mozzarella cheese:** Adds a bubbly, golden finish that’s both gooey and irresistible.
– **Seasonings & Optional Veggies:** Garlic powder and Italian seasoning make every bite pop, while peas and carrots brighten things up.
### How to Make It
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nicely warmed when your dish is ready to go in.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For a veggie boost, stir in frozen peas and carrots.
3. Pour everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 45 minutes.
4. Uncover, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, and pop it back in to bake another 10-15 minutes – you want that cheese melted and golden.
5. Once done, garnish with fresh parsley if you like a fresh herbal touch, and serve it hot for maximum comfort.
### Tips for Success
– **Rice choice matters:** Jasmine rice adds a wonderful fragrant aroma, but any long-grain rice works well.
– **Leftovers:** This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.
– **Double the recipe:** Hosting a crowd? It doubles easily, just use a larger baking dish and extend cooking times slightly.
### A Versatile Family Favorite
Whether you’re looking to please picky eaters, need a hearty dish to warm up chilly nights, or want something fuss-free yet flavorful to throw in the oven, this Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole fits the bill. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of cozy vibes that make every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to comfort meal!
PrintChicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
This comforting Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and a melty mozzarella cheese topping. Enhanced with classic Italian seasonings and optional peas and carrots, this easy one-dish meal bakes in the oven for a creamy, cheesy dinner the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Grains and Vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, uncooked white rice, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all flavors and ingredients.
- Add Vegetables. If using, fold in the frozen peas and carrots to add color and extra nutrients to the dish.
- Prepare Baking Dish. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully and absorb the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a creamy, cheesy comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with cooked homemade chicken.
- White rice is preferred for texture; jasmine or long-grain work best.
- For a richer sauce, consider using homemade Alfredo made with fresh cream and Parmesan.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and nutrition.
- Ensure the casserole is covered during most of the baking to allow the rice to absorb liquid and cook evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as per taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.