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Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole proves that even the simplest dishes are beautiful. With nutty brown rice, juicy bites of chicken, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, this timeless dish is too good to waste time fussing over.

The old-fashioned Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole isn’t wild at all. You won’t be blown away with never-before imagined flavors or tectonic levels of spice. But that is the whole point. It’s pure comfort food. It’s creamy and carb-heavy. Comfort food for a cold night.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients That You’ll Need:

  • Chicken Breast: Chicken is the ultimate crowd-pleaser when it comes to lean protein. Casserole recipes like this one work great with it, and it’s easy to prepare. I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole with shredded chicken, but diced chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken bought at the store, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work.
  • Cooked Rice: Despite the fact that you can put uncooked rice in Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole, it is best to cook the rice first. To boost the nutritional value of this dish, I used long grain brown rice (a mixture of brown and wild rice would also work). This dish is high in fiber and magnesium thanks to the brown rice. Additionally, its slightly chewy texture and nutty flavor make it a tasty addition to this recipe.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour: Helps create the perfect consistency for casseroles by thickening the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavors the casserole and forms part of the sauce.
  • Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand, but I used nonfat milk.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Make this Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole more vegetable-rich by bulking it up with frozen mixed vegetables. Peas, carrots, and corn are common.
  • Greek Yogurt: It’s creamy, and it’s high in protein. Use either 2% or full-fat Greek yogurt. Because fat-free is more likely to curdle, I don’t recommend using it.
  • Cheeses: Sharp cheeses mixed with mozzarella are the new trend. Combined, they make the perfect melting cheese.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings out the cheesiness and gives it zip. You won’t be able to taste it; rather, it makes the dish pop.
  • Dried Thyme: For a homey, herbal flavor.

Additional Ingredients:

  • Cubed Cooked Chicken —This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole can be prepared quickly by using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken. But you can also brown about 1 pound of chicken. You can cook cubed chicken with olive oil on the stovetop if necessary. While it dirty an extra pan, it adds only about 10 minutes to the prep time!
  • Frozen Broccoli — Put the rice in a colander, rinse with cold water, and let it drain well before adding the other ingredients.
  • Diced White Onion — If you have yellow or red onion on hand, don’t be afraid to use them.
  • Parmesan cheese — This dish works just as well with grated cheese.
  • Mozzarella Cheese — Ideally, we’d like a variety with large shreds, but any shredded variety will work.

How Much Rice Should use in Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

Whenever I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole, I prefer a 1:1 ratio of rice to chicken (equal amounts). It is substantially greater than recipes such as Campbell’s chicken and rice casserole, which is closer to 2:1 (double the amount of chicken to rice).

In addition to adding extra protein to the casserole, a larger amount of chicken makes it more filling.

Can I Use White Rice Instead of Brown Rice?

For the grains in this dish, I prefer brown rice due to its added health benefits and texture, but you can substitute cooked white rice if you prefer.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

  1. Set a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot with a sturdy bottom over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and pepper once the butter has melted. For about 8 to 10 minutes, cook the onion until it is soft and translucent. The onion should soften without browning, so stir occasionally and adjust the heat as necessary. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Then sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir continuously for at least 1 minute, or until all white bits are gone from the flour.
  4. Pour the milk and broth in slowly, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. If any lumps form, break them up as needed. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let gently bubble until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a rapid simmer.
  5. Turn off the heat and remove the pan. Stir in the veggies, Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Dijon, and thyme until smooth.
  6. Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice.
  7. Place the mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
  8. Bake your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole until the cheese is melted and it is hot about 15 minutes. Turn the oven on to broil, and continue cooking until the cheese is lightly browned about 3 additional minutes. Be careful not to burn the cheese. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in Crock-Pot?

  1. Spray nonstick spray on a 5-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. Stir together the rice, carrots, shallot, and Dijon mustard. On top, arrange the chicken breasts, and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the chicken broth over. In a slow cooker, cover and cook the chicken on HIGH for one and a half to two and a half hours, or until it is cooked through.
  4. Cover the chicken and remove it to a plate. Then stir in the rice, vegetables, and broth, then cover and continue cooking on high for one more hour until the rice is tender.
  5. Remove the cover and stir in the peas and Greek yogurt. Add 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and diced chicken.
  6. Top with the remaining cheese, then re-cover and cook for a few more minutes on high until the cheese is melted.
  7. Serve warm, and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole In Advance?

Cook and shred the chicken and prepare the rice up to one day in advance. Refrigerate both in separate airtight containers until you are ready to use them.

Unbaked Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole can also be assembled up to 1 day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until baking time.

How To Reheat Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole In Air Fryer?

If you have any leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole from the previous night, you can simply reheat it in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.

Recipe Variations

  • Cheese: You may omit it, or substitute Colby jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
  • Rice: This recipe will not work with minute rice. In case you use brown rice, you will need additional liquid (at least 1/2 cup) and a longer cooking time, so make sure to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in order to prevent it from drying out.
  • Herbs: Consider adding fresh thyme, parsley, freshly minced garlic, or fresh basil for additional flavor.
  • Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole: The casserole should be topped with 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets before baking.
  • Veggies: You can also add chopped mushrooms, onions, green peppers, green beans, and broccoli if you wish.
  • Cream of soup: Although I prefer my homemade version, any kind of cream of soup will do including chicken, mushroom, or celery.
  • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Reduce the water to 1/2 cup and the milk to 1 cup. Use only one can of cream of soup. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, cook on high pressure/manual for 8-10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.

FAQ Section

How Can I Make Gluten-Free Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the white whole wheat flour.

What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken Breasts?

Cooking raw chicken with rice in a casserole is possible, but the Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken. Make this chicken and rice casserole using one of the following simple recipes: Instant Pot Chicken, Crock Pot Shredded Chicken, Baked Bone-in Chicken Breast, How to Cook Shredded Chicken (on the stovetop).

What Kind of Rice to Use for Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole recipe calls for long-grain brown rice (a mixture of brown rice and wild rice would work as well). Brown rice is an excellent source of fiber and magnesium. The slightly chewy texture and slightly nutty flavor make it extra yummy in this recipe, too.

How To Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

Allow Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole to cool then wrap tightly or store in an airtight container and place in the fridge immediately. Properly stored, your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole can last for up 4-5 days.

Can I Freeze Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole?

Yes! For up to 3 months, you can freeze Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To reheat Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in the oven?

Leftover chicken and rice casserole will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat the casserole: If reheating an entire casserole, cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in a 350 degree F oven until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

How To reheat Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole in the microwave?

Microwave your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole for 30 seconds at a time until it is warm to your liking – usually, 2 minutes will be more than enough!

What Can I do with Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole leftovers?

Cook Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole on Sunday, and you’ll have leftovers all week! By stuffing leftover filling into bell peppers, you can give leftovers a new life. bake the peppers in the oven at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes without any filling, then stuff them with warmed-up leftovers.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

  • Calories 303
  • Total Fat 13g
  • Saturated Fat 6.9g
  • Trans Fat 0.1g
  • Cholesterol 57mg
  • Sodium 223mg
  • Potassium 318mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 28g
  • Dietary Fiber 1g
  • Sugars 1.3g
  • Protein 18g
  • Vitamin A 13%
  • Vitamin C 41%
  • Calcium 17%
  • Iron 6%

Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 35 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 50 minutesServings:8 servingsCalories:303 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole proves that even the simplest dishes are beautiful. With nutty brown rice, juicy bites of chicken, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, this timeless dish is too good to waste time fussing over.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Set a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or other large pot with a sturdy bottom over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and pepper once the butter has melted.
  3. For about 8 to 10 minutes, cook the onion until it is soft and translucent. The onion should soften without browning, so stir occasionally and adjust the heat as necessary. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Then sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir continuously for at least 1 minute, or until all white bits are gone from the flour.
  5. Pour the milk and broth in slowly, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. If any lumps form, break them up as needed. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let gently bubble until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain a rapid simmer.
  6. Turn off the heat and remove the pan. Stir in the veggies, Greek yogurt, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Dijon, and thyme until smooth.
  7. Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked rice.
  8. Place the mixture in the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
  9. Bake your Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole until the cheese is melted and it is hot about 15 minutes. Turn the oven on to broil, and continue cooking until the cheese is lightly browned about 3 additional minutes. Be careful not to burn the cheese.
  10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Cheese: You may omit it, or substitute Colby jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
  • Rice: This recipe will not work with minute rice. In case you use brown rice, you will need additional liquid (at least 1/2 cup) and a longer cooking time, so make sure to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in order to prevent it from drying out.
  • Herbs: Consider adding fresh thyme, parsley, freshly minced garlic, or fresh basil for additional flavor.
  • Broccoli Chicken and Rice: The casserole should be topped with 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets before baking.
  • Veggies: You can also add chopped mushrooms, onions, green peppers, green beans, and broccoli if you wish.
  • Cream of soup: Although I prefer my homemade version, any kind of cream of soup will do including chicken, mushroom, or celery.
  • Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Reduce the water to 1/2 cup and the milk to 1 cup. Use only one can of cream of soup. Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, cook on high pressure/manual for 8-10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
Keywords:Pioneer Woman Chicken Rice Casserole
Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 303
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 6.9g35%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 57mg19%
Sodium 223mg10%
Potassium 318mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1.3g
Protein 18g36%

Vitamin A 13 IU
Vitamin C 41 mg
Calcium 17 mg
Iron 6 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

AN

Tuesday 28th of March 2023

This was delicious! My youngest had seconds!

I think I used every pit in my kitchen to make this but it was worth it.

Is there a substitute for the white whole wheat flour? I had to buy a full bag (which is fine) but I have never seen this ingredient used in any other recipe.

Thank you for a warm, yummy, comforting meal!