Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a cheesy topping, this casserole makes an easy and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- 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)
Seasonings and Cheese
- 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 ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well to make sure the rice is distributed evenly throughout the liquid.
- Add Chicken and Sauce: Mix in the shredded or diced cooked chicken along with the Alfredo sauce, stirring thoroughly so the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Then add salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything together evenly to infuse flavor throughout the casserole.
- Incorporate Broccoli: If using broccoli, gently fold the florets into the mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed without breaking up the pieces.
- Cheese It Up: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, melted cheese crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the flavors to meld.
- Final Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese topping 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 casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole to add a burst of color and freshness, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference, but cooking time may vary slightly.
- Broccoli is optional; feel free to substitute or omit based on taste or dietary needs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using a light Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or diced before adding to the casserole.
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Casserole, Dump-and-Bake, Rice Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, One Dish Meal
