Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has been one of my absolute favorites for festive dinners. It’s that perfect balance of comforting, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and fluffy rice, all baked into one satisfying dish. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your holiday go-to for feeding family and guests without fuss.

What makes this casserole truly special is how simple ingredients transform into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that feels a bit fancy but is honestly so easy to pull off. It’s great for occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, and the cheesy, comforting nature means everyone—from the kids to the adults—ends up asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together like old friends: creamy soup for rich sauce, sharp cheddar for cheesiness, and onion soup mix for a secret savory kick. When shopping, try to pick fresh chicken and a good-quality cheese—you’ll notice the difference in every delicious bite.

• Long grain white rice: It stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together, perfect for absorbing all the creamy sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings that bold flavor; I like using freshly shredded instead of pre-shredded for better melt.
• Chicken breasts (cut lengthwise): Cutting them helps them cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: This makes the casserole creamy and comforting—homemade works wonderfully too if you have it!
• Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the rice; low-sodium is my pick so I can control the salt.
• Milk: Helps create that luscious sauce consistency without heaviness.
• Onion soup mix: The secret weapon for an extra layer of savory goodness, especially if you use the classic Lipton packet.
• Fresh minced parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and beautiful color once baked.
• Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out all those lovely flavors; go easy as the soup already has seasoning.

Variations

I love making this casserole my own depending on what I have on hand or whenever I want to mix things up a little. Don’t be shy—just tweak ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs and see what delightful combos you can create.

• Use turkey instead of chicken: Perfect for a post-Christmas feast; I’ve swapped in turkey leftovers and the casserole stayed moist and flavorful.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version or homemade, and double-check your onion soup mix for gluten content.
• Add veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped broccoli or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition—my family hardly notices because of the cheesy sauce.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a festive twist that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Rice

Start by cutting your chicken breasts lengthwise to thin them out—that helps them cook through evenly and stay tender. While you’re prepping, measure out your rice and have your soups and liquids ready. Trust me, this little prep saves stress later when things get hot and busy in the kitchen.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Rice

In a big bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add your dry rice directly into this sauce—this is where the rice soaks up all that flavor as it cooks in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your baking dish, then pour in the rice and sauce mixture. Nestle your halved chicken breasts right into the rice, spacing them evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top—you want a nice even blanket of cheese that melts into bubbly, golden perfection.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. This slow bake lets the rice cook through gently as the chicken steams. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes so the cheese can brown beautifully. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

How to Serve Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra fresh parsley right before serving—it brightens up the dish with a fresh contrast to the rich cheese. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even finely chopped green onions for some zing and color. It’s those simple touches that make this casserole feel elegant on your holiday table.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. If you want something classic, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls work perfectly to scoop up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve surprised guests by serving this casserole in individual ramekins, layering the chicken, rice, and cheese so everyone gets a personal cheesy portion. Another fun idea is to garnish with edible flowers or delicate microgreens to elevate the look without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover casserole with foil or plastic wrap, then store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and honestly, I find the flavors even better the next day after everything has had a chance to meld.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well—once cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers or foil pans. When I freeze it, I make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture creamy and chicken tender.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in the oven at 325°F (160°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out. Usually, 20-30 minutes does the trick. If I’m in a rush, a microwave works too, but I recommend stirring halfway through and adding a small splash of broth or milk to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Elegant Christmas Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe has become a special part of my holiday traditions, and every year it pulls everyone around the table, bringing warmth and cheer. If you want a dish that’s easy to make, looks lovely, and tastes like Christmas in every bite, this one’s your winner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with comforting smells and happy smiles.

Print