If you’re in the mood for something creamy, cheesy, and truly comforting that comes together in a snap, this Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious recipe is your answer. Picture fork-tender chicken, buttery garlic, and tender rice blanketed with gooey mozzarella in every single bite. The best part? You don’t have to set aside your whole evening to make it happen—the flavors develop as if you’ve been slow-cooking for hours, all in just about half an hour. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or need a quick dinner solution, this casserole will instantly become a favorite in your home.

Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious so irresistible is how each ingredient shines: simple, familiar items that transform into a showstopping meal. From fragrant garlic to creamy soup and plenty of melty cheese, every component enhances flavor, texture, and comfort.

Cooked white rice: Use day-old rice if you have it—the slight firmness holds up perfectly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a dinnertime lifesaver here, adding both moisture and savory depth.
Butter: Adds rich, buttery undertones that infuse the whole casserole thanks to that initial sauté.
Minced garlic: Only a few cloves needed, but they bring the aromatic magic to every single bite.
Cream of chicken soup: The secret to ultra-creamy texture and that classic comforting flavor.
Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds a real chicken flavor punch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ooey-gooey factor that makes this dish irresistible, plus a dreamy melted topping.
Dried parsley: Adds a lovely herby pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Salt and pepper: Simple but necessary to make all the flavors sing—don’t skip a good seasoning taste.

How to Make Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Step 1: Start with Buttery Garlic

Begin by melting your butter in a skillet over medium heat. When it’s nice and bubbly, add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute. You’re looking for it to smell fantastic and take on a gentle golden color. This quick step unlocks so much flavor for the entire Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious!

Step 2: Mix Up the Magic

Grab your largest mixing bowl and toss in the cooked rice, shredded chicken, that gorgeous garlic-butter mixture from your skillet, the cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until it looks indulgently creamy. Next, blend in half of the shredded mozzarella and the dried parsley, then season the mix with salt and pepper. Every bite will be layered with flavor!

Step 3: Layer and Top

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Pour your assembled chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese liberally over the top. You want every scoop of Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious to have that cheesy pull when you serve it.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the cheese is molten, bubbly, and just starting to brown, you know it’s ready. The filling should be hot throughout, melding all those flavors together. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving—if you can wait!

How to Serve Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Garnishes

Enhance your casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of extra melted butter just before serving. These little touches not only make the Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious look as good as it tastes but add a final pop of flavor, too.

Side Dishes

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or simply some steamed broccoli. The creamy, cheesy nature of Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious means a bright, crunchy side is the perfect contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into ramekins for a personal touch at dinner parties or use a ring mold to give each serving a dramatic, restaurant-style presentation. You can also top with crunchy fried onions for a little extra flair and texture—your guests won’t be able to resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making reheated portions taste just as delicious (if not better) than freshly baked.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Just make sure it’s completely cool before wrapping tightly in foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For single servings, a microwave works just fine—just be sure to stir halfway for even heating. If it looks a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of broth before reheating to revive that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just ensure the grains are fully cooked before mixing them in. Both brown rice and quinoa add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, which is delicious in this Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious.

Is it okay to substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a similar creaminess with a slightly different flavor twist. For a homemade touch, a quick roux with milk and chicken broth also works beautifully.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Of course! Omit the chicken and replace it with extra veggies—broccoli, mushrooms, and peas are great options. Use a vegetarian-friendly soup and broth to keep everything meat-free, and you’ll still have Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious that everyone can enjoy.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Be generous with the broth and don’t skimp on the soup—these are what keep everything moist. Baking covered with foil for part of the time can also help if your oven runs hot, ensuring a luscious texture in every spoonful.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and maybe bump up the cooking time slightly to make sure it heats through evenly. Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious is perfect for feeding a crowd, and leftovers refrigerate and reheat fantastically.

Final Thoughts

Give this Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious a try next time you want a no-fuss, full-flavor meal with maximum comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re home, no matter where you serve it. Your family and friends will love just how quickly it disappears from the table!

Rice Casserole 30 Minutes Easy Delicious Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

2 cups cooked white rice

Chicken:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Garlic Butter Mixture:

3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce:

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth

Cheese and Seasonings:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Garlic: Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, garlic-butter mixture, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, half of the mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Bake Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken and rice mixture in the dish, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden-brown.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American