Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a simple, comforting, and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining uncooked rice, shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and seasonings, baked to golden cheesy perfection with optional broccoli for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth, stirring well so the rice is evenly distributed for consistent cooking.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Mix in the shredded or diced cooked chicken along with the Alfredo sauce, coating the chicken thoroughly to infuse the flavors evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference, then stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Broccoli: If using, gently fold in the broccoli florets so they are spread throughout the mixture without breaking them up.
- Cheese It Up: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture to create a flavorful, golden crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the dish set for easier serving and enhanced flavor melding.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness, then serve hot and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use white or brown rice based on preference; brown rice may require additional cooking time.
- Broccoli is optional but adds a nice vegetable component to the casserole.
- Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly if you want to repurpose ingredients.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your Alfredo sauce and seasoning blends do not contain gluten additives.
- Letting the dish rest after baking improves texture and flavor cohesion.
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole, Dump-and-Bake Casserole, Easy Chicken Dinner, Baked Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food Casserole
