Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked rice, all baked together with a cheesy topping. Easy to prepare and packed with flavors, it’s a family-friendly dinner solution that combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients into a hearty casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth, stirring well to evenly distribute the rice throughout the liquid.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Mix in the shredded or diced cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce, ensuring the chicken pieces are fully coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Season: Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste, blending all ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate Broccoli: If using broccoli florets, gently fold them into the mixture so they are evenly distributed within the casserole.
- Cheese It Up: Evenly top the casserole mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses to create a rich, cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to start cooking the rice and melding flavors.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but note the cooking time may be longer.
- Broccoli is optional; feel free to omit it or add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use a light Alfredo sauce or reduce the cheese amount.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Casserole, dump and bake, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken rice bake, comfort food, one dish meal
