We’re so glad you’ve decided to join us in the kitchen today because we have a real treat to share with you. Today’s recipe is for a comforting and delicious casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This dish is a spin on Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole and it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends and family.
As soon as you start prepping this dish, you’ll be greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of sautéing onions and garlic, the comforting scent of warm chicken broth, and the inviting scent of cooked rice. The result is a creamy, comforting casserole that is packed with flavor, and comes together in one dish.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. It’s a great way to use up any leftover cooked chicken you might have, or you can use uncooked chicken and have it ready in no time. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory vegetables creates a one-dish meal that is satisfying and delicious. The cheese on top adds a nice touch of creaminess and added flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have the energy to cook a big meal, but still want something comforting and satisfying. It’s also great for a potluck, as it can be made in advance and kept warm in the oven until it’s ready to serve.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get started on making this delicious casserole. We promise it will quickly become a new family favorite and a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Additional Ingredients with an explanation
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional): This ingredient is added at the end to garnish the casserole, it gives a fresh herby touch to the dish and adds a pop of color.
- 1 can of corn or peas (optional): Adding vegetables like corn or peas adds a nice sweetness to the dish and makes it more nutritious. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, depending on what you have on hand.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A small amount of nutmeg added to the recipe gives a hint of warmth and depth of flavor. It is a subtle but delicious addition to the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A touch of cayenne pepper can be added to give the casserole a slight kick of heat and depth of flavor. This ingredient is optional and can be adjusted to taste.
- As you can see the options are endless, you can play around with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or leaving out any that you don’t like. The recipe is flexible like that.
Equipment
You’ll need some cooking equipment such as
Make sure you have all ingredients in hand before starting the recipe, so you can make sure it goes smoothly.
How Much Rice Should use in Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
For Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole, you’ll need to use 3 cups of cooked white rice. This measurement is already calculated to have the right proportion in the recipe, taking into account the other ingredients and their quantities.
When cooking the rice, it’s important to follow the package instructions for the best results. Most types of white rice need to be rinsed thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch. The general rule for cooking white rice is 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. Once the rice is cooked and cooled, it’s ready to be added to the casserole.
It’s important to use cooked rice for this recipe, as the raw rice needs to cook further in the casserole and it could result in an under or overcooked rice and which could impact the consistency of the casserole.
Remember that you should also adjust the quantity according to your preferences, but always having in mind that changing the quantity of rice will affect the overall consistency of the dish, and probably it would need more liquid or time to cook.
Can I Use White Rice Instead of Brown Rice?
Yes, you can use white rice instead of brown rice in Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole. The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked white rice, and using brown rice instead would require adjustments to the recipe.
White rice is a type of refined grain, which means it has had the bran and germ removed during processing. This results in a less nutritious but more versatile grain, with a softer texture and shorter cook time.
Brown rice, on the other hand, is a whole grain that has the bran and germ layers still intact. It has a nuttier taste and chewier texture, and it takes longer to cook, around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Brown rice also contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.
If you would like to use brown rice instead, you’ll need to adjust the recipe and cooking time. You’ll likely need to use more liquid and cook the casserole for longer, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Depending on the brand and type of brown rice you use, you may need to adjust the cooking time by up to an hour longer.
It is always a good idea to adjust the seasoning, quantities of liquids, and time, according to the characteristics of the ingredient you decide to use, as brown and white rice have different characteristics and therefore need different treatment.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
Here is a general guide on how to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through about 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, thyme, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Note that this is a general guide, you might want to follow a more detailed recipe, taking into account the size of your casserole dish and other specific instructions or suggestions. This recipe can be also adjusted to your preferences, such as adding or leaving out vegetables or changing the amount of cheese.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in Crock-Pot?
Here is a guide on how to make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in a crock-pot:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through about 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, thyme, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and cheese to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a crock pot and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, or until the casserole is heated through.
- Before serving, stir the casserole well, and adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
When making a crock pot, it’s important to note that the cooking time may vary based on your crock-pot model, so you might need to adjust the time accordingly. Also, you can use uncooked chicken to make it instead of cooked chicken, but this will add extra time to the cooking process. You should be able to check for doneness with a meat thermometer, the chicken should be at least 165F.
What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a complete and comforting meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a few sides to round out the meal and add some variety. Here are a few ideas of what to serve with this casserole:
- A green salad: a simple salad with fresh greens and a light vinaigrette dressing will complement the rich casserole and add some freshness to the meal.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables: A side of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus will balance the dish and add some color and nutrition.
- Garlic bread or crusty bread: This will add a nice texture contrast to the creamy casserole and is also great to dip in any left-over sauce.
- A side of pasta or potatoes like mashed or roasted potatoes: This will add some extra carbs to the meal which will make it more filling.
- Coleslaw or pickles: This adds a nice contrast of flavors, and textures and will also help to balance the richness of the casserole.
The key is to keep it simple, so the flavors of the casserole will not get lost. You can also experiment with different side dishes to see what you like best.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole In Advance?
Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in advance is a great way to save time and have a comforting meal ready for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests. Here are a few tips for making the casserole in advance:
- Assemble the casserole as directed in the recipe up until the point of baking it. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help it cook more evenly.
- Preheat the oven as directed in the recipe and bake the casserole, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for it being chilled.
- Another option is to make the casserole and freeze it before baking. To do this, assemble the casserole as directed and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze it for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven and place the frozen casserole in the oven. Add about 1 hour to the baking time, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
When making it in advance, it’s important to store it in an airtight container and reheat it properly, to avoid any bacterial contamination. Also, it is important to make sure the casserole is heated through to the center to ensure that it is safe to eat.
How To Reheat Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole In Air Fryer?
Reheating Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy top and reheat the casserole evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the casserole in the air fryer basket and make sure it’s distributed evenly.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may need to cook it a bit longer if the casserole is frozen.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the casserole is heated to at least 165F, the safe temperature to eat chicken.
- If the casserole is not crispy on top yet, you can add a few minutes under the broiler or use the air fryer’s ‘crisp’ setting.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Using an air fryer is a great way to reheat leftovers, giving a crispy and golden crust to the top of the casserole, if desired. However, do keep in mind that cooking time might vary depending on the size of your air fryer basket or the thickness of your casserole, so adjust accordingly. Also, be mindful of the plastic or aluminum foil that may have been used to cover the casserole, these materials are not safe to cook in the air fryer.
Recipe Variations Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Rice Casserole:
There are many ways to vary the recipe for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole, here are a few ideas:
- Add some spice: you can add a bit of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to give the casserole a bit of heat.
- Use different proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, pork, or even beef.
- Add some more vegetables: You can add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for some extra vitamins and color.
- Change the cheese: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Add some herbs: You can add some chopped thyme, oregano, or basil for a fresh and herby touch.
- Make it gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, which is widely available in most supermarkets.
- Make it dairy-free: To make it dairy-free you can use a non-dairy milk and cheese alternative.
As you can see, you can easily adapt this recipe to your tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile and delicious dish. Feel free to experiment and try different variations to find your perfect recipe!
FAQs about Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole as directed in the recipe up until the point of baking it. Cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour, then bake as directed in the recipe.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole after assembly but before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and place the frozen casserole in the oven, adding about 1 hour to the baking time, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken for the casserole. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet with the vegetables.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice but you need to adjust the recipe and cooking time accordingly. Brown rice has a nuttier taste and chewier texture and takes longer to cook than white rice, around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Also, you might need to use more liquid and cook the casserole for longer.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in a Crock-Pot?
Yes, you can make the casserole in a crock pot. Simply assemble the casserole as directed and transfer the mixture to a crock pot. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, or until the casserole is heated through.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information for a serving of Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. However, a typical serving of the casserole contains the following nutrition:
- Calories Around 300-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates:60-70g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugar: 5-10g
- Sodium: around 1000mg
It’s important to note that this dish is high in calories, fat, and sodium, due to the use of butter, heavy cream, and cheese, also the protein content is quite high due to the chicken. It’s always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or a nutritionist if you have any specific dietary needs or concerns. Additionally, you can always try to make it with low-fat options of milk or cheese and reduce the butter or oil.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for feeding a crowd. The recipe is easy to make and versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs. This casserole is delicious and can be made ahead of time or frozen for later, making it a convenient meal solution for busy weeknights. The recipe can be also adjusted to your preferences by adding or leaving out vegetables or changing the amount of cheese.
It can be made in an oven or a crock-pot, and it can be reheated in an air fryer to give a crispy top. Just keep in mind that it is a rich dish with a high calorie and fat content and high sodium. It is always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or a nutritionist for specific dietary needs or concerns. Enjoy!
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Spoon
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through about 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, thyme, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the flour to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
- Slowly add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and cheese to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
