Rice-A-Roni Chicken Casserole

Nothing says comfort like this cheesy, delicious Rice-A-Roni Chicken Casserole!

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One of the easiest, most comforting meals to make is this delicious Rice-A-Roni chicken casserole, which uses leftover cooked chicken. I absolutely love it when I can easily repurpose one dinner into another, so this recipe is a big win in my book. Plus, instead of serving rice on the side, you can combine it all to make one exciting and filling meal.

This recipe also lends itself well to customization — there’s no limit to where your imagination can take you when creating a delicious casserole for your family. You can even substitute leftover turkey or ham for the chicken to create an entirely different taste sensation.

Casseroles also make for great lunchtime leftovers, so this recipe is an awesome two-in-one! Whether you need something to take to work or send to school with the kids, this chicken and rice casserole is ideal.

Is Rice-A-Roni Chicken Casserole Healthy?

Rice-A-Roni and creamy soups are processed food items that are often high in sodium, fat, and may contain preservatives. In the case of chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni, one serving has 730 milligrams of sodium. While I don’t recommend making this dish every week, serving it with vegetables or a side salad can be a good way to balance it out. You can also use rotisserie chicken breast as opposed to dark meat chicken from the thigh since it has less fat and calories.

How Can I Customize This Chicken Casserole?

If you want to increase the veggie content, you can add chopped carrots and celery to the rice, along with the onion and bell pepper. Drained artichoke hearts are another great addition. Just make sure to chop them up before adding when mixing all the ingredients together. Other options include steamed broccoli, frozen peas, corn, and chopped fresh or frozen spinach. If you’re using frozen spinach, squeeze out all the liquid after you defrost it so you don’t wind up with a watery casserole.

You can also switch up the toppings by changing the cheese to a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby, pepper jack, shredded Mexican-style cheese, or mozzarella. Another option is to add crispy fried onions to the top before baking for a yummy crunch.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover Rice-A-Roni chicken casserole can stay fresh when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Cool completely before refrigerating, and let it sit in the fridge overnight before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight until it’s ready to cook and serve. It can also be assembled without the cheese topping, covered with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost it overnight, add the cheese, and bake it as directed.

Can I Use Cream Of Mushroom Soup Instead?

Both cream of mushroom and celery soups will work well with this recipe instead of cream of chicken. They each add a unique depth of flavor to the dish, but I would stick with low-sodium versions whenever possible.

Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt For The Sour Cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitution for sour cream and reduces the casserole’s calories. You can use low-fat or regular Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

I recommend serving this casserole with a delicious and healthy side dish, like Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Asparagus, Green Beans With Almonds, or Roasted Broccoli and Carrots. Salads such as Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad, Cucumber And Tomato Salad (With Onions), and Jerusalem Salad are other tasty options to enjoy with this casserole. You can also make some Mini Fruit Tarts ahead of time for a delicious and refreshing dessert.