Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and cheesy rice, it combines hearty flavors with minimal prep. Adding broccoli is optional but a great way to sneak in some greens.

A close-up view of a creamy baked rice dish in a white bowl, showing a top layer of golden-brown melted cheese with small browned spots and sprinkled with green herbs. Below the cheese is a thick, light beige mixture of cooked rice grains and small pieces of tender chicken, scattered with bits of crispy reddish-brown bacon. The creamy texture looks rich and smooth, with the rice and chicken layers clearly visible under the cheesy top. The background features a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rice (white or brown)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the shredded or diced chicken and Alfredo sauce, coating the chicken well.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: If using, fold the broccoli florets gently into the mixture.
  6. Step 6: Evenly distribute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
  7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Step 9: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set before serving.
  10. Step 10: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

  • Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, but increase the initial baking time by 10-15 minutes and add more broth as needed.
  • Swap broccoli for other veggies like peas or mushrooms for different textures and flavors.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Leftover casserole can be topped with extra cheese before reheating for added richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the casserole has dried out. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce and rice texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy baked casserole in a white bowl. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is soft rice mixed with tender pieces of chicken, the middle layer blends creamy sauce with small bits of herbs evenly spread, and the top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with slightly crispy edges and small green herb sprinkles. The textures highlight gooey cheese on top, creamy sauce below it, and soft rice and chicken at the base. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

This recipe requires cooked chicken since the rice needs time to cook in the oven without overcooking raw chicken. If using raw chicken, cook it first thoroughly before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Print
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Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender rice baked to perfection with a cheesy golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this bake combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a flavorful, hearty casserole.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked rice (white or brown)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth, stirring to ensure the rice is evenly distributed across the dish.
  3. Add Chicken and Sauce: Mix in the shredded or diced chicken along with the Alfredo sauce, making sure the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the mixture. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and stir gently to combine.
  5. Incorporate Broccoli: If using broccoli florets, fold them gently into the casserole mixture to distribute evenly without breaking them up too much.
  6. Cheese It Up: Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly over the surface to create a cheesy crust.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  8. Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let it Rest: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole for a fresh color pop, then serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice but increase the initial baking time or pre-cook it slightly as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
  • Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • If you want extra veggies, feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach along with the broccoli.
  • Adjust seasoning and cheese amounts to suit your taste preferences.
  • Covering the dish during baking helps cook the rice evenly without drying out the casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken alfredo casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken rice bake, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole

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