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

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
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.
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.
Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the mixture. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and stir gently to combine.
Incorporate Broccoli: If using broccoli florets, fold them gently into the casserole mixture to distribute evenly without breaking them up too much.
Cheese It Up: Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly over the surface to create a cheesy crust.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
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.
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