If cozy comfort had a flavor, it would be found bubbling away in a pan of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole. Imagine a spoonful of tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, a crisp medley of garden veggies, and melty cheddar all snuggled in a creamy sauce — and you don’t even need a can of condensed soup! This dish is the sort you crave at the end of a long, chilly day, crowd-pleasing yet simple, and perfect for busy families or potlucks. Trust me, this recipe captures all the magic of home-cooked goodness in a single casserole, and I can’t wait to help you make it your own.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at what goes into this delicious Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole. Every element matters — from the protein-rich chicken to the creamy yogurt and bright veggies, each ingredient adds its own special touch to flavor, texture, and that golden, bubbly finish.

Shredded cooked chicken breast: The heart of the dish, using rotisserie chicken or leftovers makes it a breeze!

Cooked brown rice (or wild blend): Gives a nutty, chewy foundation and adds wholesome nutrition.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds depth and richness as it sautés the aromatics.

Unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for your onion and binds flavors together.
Yellow onion (diced): Brings gentle sweetness and savory aroma to the mix.

Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out every bit of flavor from your ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds just the right kick of warmth.
Minced garlic: Offers a bold, homey punch that infuses the sauce.

White whole wheat flour: Thickens the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy without being heavy.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Lends chickeny goodness and lets you control saltiness.
Nonfat milk (or milk of choice): Makes your sauce creamy without weighing it down, so you get richness minus the guilt.

Frozen mixed vegetables: Easy and colorful, they sneak in nutrients and texture.
2% Greek yogurt: Provides creaminess and a tangy brightness; stick with full-fat if you want it extra luscious.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts for ultimate gooeyness, sharply flavored for impact.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives you that classic cheese pull and creamy melt.
Dijon mustard: Rounds out the sauce with a gentle zing that keeps things interesting.
Dried thyme: Adds cozy, earthy undertones that tie everything together.

Chopped fresh parsley or thyme (for serving): A pop of freshness, color, and herby scent just before serving.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Dish

Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. This helps everything release beautifully later — no sticky, stuck-on bits!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a big, sturdy Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, toss in your diced onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir occasionally, letting the onion get soft and translucent (not browned!) over about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds a delicious base for the rest of the casserole’s flavors.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, sprinkle your flour evenly over the veggies. Stir nonstop for at least a minute, working out all those floury white bits until they’re gone — that means your sauce will be smooth and lump-free!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the milk and chicken broth gradually, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from sneaking in. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer (keep stirring!) and cook until it thickens to a creamy consistency, usually 5 minutes or so. Adjust your heat as needed to keep the simmer going without scorching.

Step 5: Stir in the Good Stuff

Once thickened, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the frozen mixed veggies, Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon, and dried thyme. The sauce should look smooth and vibrant — don’t worry, the veggies will heat through in the oven.

Step 6: Add the Chicken & Rice

Fold in your shredded chicken and cooked rice. Mix until everything’s perfectly combined. Each bite should get a little bit of everything!

Step 7: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Spoon your mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over the top for that gooey, golden finish everybody loves.

Step 8: Bake and Broil

Pop your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole into the oven and bake about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything’s heated through. For those irresistible browned bits, turn your oven to broil for about 3 minutes — keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Once bubbling and golden, pull the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme for a final burst of color and herby aroma. Give it a 5-minute rest so it sets up just enough, then serve hot and steamy!

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving brightens up the whole dish both in flavor and looks. For an extra touch, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or even a light dusting of paprika on top can add subtle spice and gorgeous color.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but works beautifully alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted broccoli, buttery corn on the cob, or even garlicky breadsticks to soak up every drop of sauce. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges adds a lovely burst of sweetness, balancing all the savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve scoops of the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or layer it into hollowed bell peppers before baking for a playful twist. You could even roll smaller portions into tortillas to make hearty wraps — perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go meals!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. The casserole will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat just what you need for a speedy, satisfying lunch or dinner all week long.

Freezing

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole freezes like a dream. Once cooled, store portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole (unbaked or baked) casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat individual servings in the microwave until piping hot or gently warm the casserole in a 350 degree oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Add a splash of broth if you like a creamier reheat, or top with extra cheese for a little fresh melt.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes preparation even faster, as it’s already cooked and full of savory flavor.

Can I use other types of rice?

You sure can! Wild rice, white rice, or a blend all work well. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before stirring it in with the other ingredients to ensure your casserole isn’t watery.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and yogurt, and use dairy-free cheese shreds. The flavors will shift slightly, but it still makes a fantastic, creamy casserole.

Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

How can I add spice to this casserole?

If you love a little heat, stir in some finely diced jalapeño, a dash of hot sauce, or extra black pepper before baking. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top for a zesty finish!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes offer the warmth and all-in-one comfort of a Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole. I hope you’ll try it soon, share it with friends or family, and make it your own — it’s sure to earn a cherished spot in your own recipe rotation!

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and wholesome Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and flavorful herbs. This classic casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, salt, and pepper; cook until soft. Stir in garlic.

Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir until white bits disappear.
Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in milk and broth, stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in veggies, yogurt, half of cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon, and thyme until smooth. Add chicken and rice.

Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake until cheese melts, then broil briefly until lightly browned.
Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables in this casserole based on your preferences.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 410

Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g

Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Pioneer Woman, Chicken Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Casserole Recipe