Garlic Butter Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of warm, satisfying, one-pan dinner that makes busy weeknights feel effortless and delicious. Tender chicken pieces bake in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that melts into soft, flavorful rice, creating a casserole that tastes like a hug in every spoonful. This dish delivers big comfort with minimal prep, no fancy ingredients, and the kind of irresistible aroma that fills your home with anticipation.
Whether you’re feeding family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something hearty and homey, this casserole delivers every time. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with bold garlic flavor, making it an instant favorite everyone asks for again and again.
Equipment You Will Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
- Large skillet (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- Optional add-ins: peas, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly or spray with nonstick spray. Spread the uncooked long-grain rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper until the mixture is fully combined.
Pour this creamy, garlicky liquid evenly over the rice, ensuring every grain is submerged to absorb flavor as it cooks.
Add the cubed chicken across the top of the rice mixture, spreading it evenly. Lightly press the chicken pieces down to coat them with the liquid but avoid fully submerging them. This helps the chicken stay juicy while allowing the top to brown nicely.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam. Bake for 45 minutes without removing the foil. After 45 minutes, carefully uncover the dish and stir gently to distribute rice and chicken. Check the rice texture; it should be softening but not fully cooked yet.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or mozzarella across the surface. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 20–25 minutes until the cheese melts, the liquid absorbs, and the top becomes golden and bubbly. If the rice needs more time, add a splash of broth and continue baking for a few extra minutes.
Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This rest time helps the rice settle and allows the flavors to deepen. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving for a bright finish.
Expert Tips for Success
Use long-grain white rice for the fluffiest texture. Short-grain or instant rice absorbs too quickly and may turn mushy. Always cover the casserole during the first bake so the rice steams properly. If your oven runs hot, check the dish at the 40-minute mark to prevent overcooking.
Cutting chicken into evenly sized cubes ensures they cook uniformly and stay tender throughout the bake. A quick optional step is searing chicken lightly before adding to the casserole for extra flavor and color.
Balance your garlic by using both minced garlic and garlic powder—this creates a deep, layered garlic profile without overpowering the dish. If your rice isn’t fully cooked at the end, don’t panic; simply stir in a bit more broth and bake a little longer.
Broiling for one minute at the end adds a beautifully golden top, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Heavy cream delivers the richest, creamiest results, but half-and-half works well too. Taste your broth mixture before pouring—it should be well-seasoned, as rice absorbs a lot of flavor.
Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. Choose cheddar for boldness or mozzarella for stretchiness, depending on your preference. Add vegetables directly into the rice mixture before baking if you want a full one-pan meal.
Keep in mind that some vegetables release moisture, so reduce the broth slightly when adding ingredients like mushrooms or spinach. Allowing the casserole to rest before serving ensures the rice finishes steaming and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Variations and Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you want extra tenderness; thighs stay juicy and flavorful throughout every bake. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with milk and add an extra tablespoon of butter to maintain richness.
You can also substitute the cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick or Parmesan for a nuttier finish. If you want a lemony brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the broth mixture before baking.
Turn this into a veggie-packed casserole by adding peas, broccoli florets, zucchini, or mushrooms. Broccoli and peas can be added frozen without adjusting cook time.
For a Tex-Mex twist, season the broth mixture with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, then top with Monterey Jack cheese. Stir in black beans or corn for extra flavor and color. A creamy Italian-inspired version can be made by adding Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella.
If you want a more indulgent variation, stir in cream cheese during the second bake for an ultra-creamy texture. Bacon bits also make a delicious and savory addition that complements the garlic butter flavor. For a Mediterranean spin, add olives, roasted peppers, feta cheese, and oregano.
Many substitutions work beautifully with this casserole, making it adaptable for different tastes and occasions.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this casserole hot and bubbling straight from the oven for maximum comfort. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the creaminess or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make perfect sides for soaking up any leftover sauce.
If serving for a family dinner, add a simple steamed vegetable like green beans or carrots for a full, satisfying meal.
For gatherings or potlucks, slice the casserole into squares for easy serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives gives it a polished presentation that impresses guests. This dish also pairs beautifully with lemony asparagus or sautéed spinach for a fresh contrast.
If you want to turn it into a fancier dinner, serve alongside roasted chicken thighs or salmon for an abundant feast.
A light soup, such as tomato basil or vegetable soup, is the perfect starter for this creamy dish. For beverages, pair with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re serving kids, pair with apple juice or milk for a comforting combination.
No matter how you serve it, this casserole brings warmth and satisfying flavor to every table.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The rice absorbs flavors even more overnight, making reheated servings incredibly delicious. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to revive moisture, then warm in the microwave or oven at 325°F (160°C).
Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warming. Avoid overheating, which may cause the rice to dry out.
To freeze, cool the casserole completely. Freeze in airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It keeps well for up to two months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When reheating frozen portions, add a small amount of broth to restore creaminess. If freezing in the baking dish, ensure it’s freezer-safe to avoid cracking.
Leftover casserole also works beautifully repurposed. Serve reheated portions with fried eggs for a comforting breakfast or fold leftovers into bell peppers for stuffed peppers. Add a few tablespoons of extra cheese during reheating for renewed richness. With proper storage, the casserole maintains its creamy, garlicky flavor even days later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase cook time and use additional broth.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes—assemble, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw fully before using or the dish will not cook evenly.
Why is my rice undercooked?
You may need a little more broth or slightly longer bake time.
Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely—it’s delicious with or without cheese.
