Here’s a cozy, flavorful Italian Chicken Rice Casserole recipe — perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of Italian-inspired flavor, all baked together in one comforting dish.
🇮🇹🍗🍚 Italian Chicken Rice Casserole
✅ Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
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1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice – see tips)
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: 1½ cups chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies
🥣 Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Mix the base:
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In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream soup, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Stir in the chicken and any optional veggies.
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Assemble:
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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Cover tightly with foil (this is important so the rice steams properly).
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Bake:
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Bake covered for 45–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
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Remove foil, stir gently, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
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Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Rest & Serve:
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken.
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🔄 Variations:
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Use brown rice: increase broth to 2½ cups and bake for 75–80 minutes before adding cheese.
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Swap in Italian sausage or turkey instead of chicken.
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Top with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.