If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that comes together with minimal fuss, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish blends creamy Alfredo flavors, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes over a bed of perfectly cooked rice—all baked together in one dish. It’s that cozy, rich meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s so simple to prepare that it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture without any complicated steps. From the tender chicken to the vibrant broccoli, each component plays a role in making this casserole a standout dish in your dinner rotation.
- Long grain white rice (1 ½ cups): The perfect base to soak up all the creamy Alfredo goodness and chicken broth flavor.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): Adds savory depth and moisture so the rice cooks beautifully in the oven.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the casserole luxuriously creamy and rich, enhancing the Alfredo vibe.
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded (2 cups): Provides protein and heartiness—use leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds sharpness and a nutty kick, elevating the cheesy notes.
- Minced garlic (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle spice.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with Mediterranean warmth.
- Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Brings a pop of green, crunch, and nutrition.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (½ cup): Introduce a sweet, tangy burst that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to grease the baking dish and add a hint of richness.
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, colorful finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for cooking this one-dish wonder. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray—this keeps everything from sticking and adds a subtle richness to the casserole base.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until all those flavors start blending together, creating a luscious, creamy mixture that will soak into the rice during baking.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the creamy rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Then, distribute the diced or shredded cooked chicken over the top, followed by an even scatter of fresh broccoli florets and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These layers not only create delicious texture but also bring bursts of flavor and color to the dish.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the entire casserole. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist—making this part so satisfying as you peek through the oven door.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken and vegetables to heat through. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the moisture locked in.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
After those 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This final stretch lets the cheese brown and bubble to perfection, while the rice becomes tender and the casserole develops that iconic golden top.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short pause helps everything set up, making it easier to scoop and enhancing the flavors. If you love a fresh, herbaceous note, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a gorgeous finishing touch.
How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice that adds a pop of green and a hint of brightness against the creamy richness of the casserole. If you want a bit more zing, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or some crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish further without overpowering it.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies adds freshness and balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also complement the creamy textures perfectly, giving you options to suit the occasion or your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for family-style comfort. For a fancier touch, portion it onto individual plates and garnish each with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs. You can also turn it into a potluck hit by baking it in a decorative casserole dish and bringing it to share with friends—the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare and bake it as directed, then let it cool completely before wrapping it well in foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating can help maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. It’s best to pre-cook the brown rice before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful while vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?
You can, but it requires adjusting the cooking time and possibly more liquid. For guaranteed tenderness and ease, cooked chicken is recommended, especially shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half can work, though the casserole will be less rich. For dairy-free versions, try coconut cream or a creamy plant-based milk blend, but flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The rice should be tender and fully cooked through, which usually happens after the covered baking time plus the uncovered baking. The cheese will be golden and bubbly, and the casserole should be hot and bubbly in the center when it’s done.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one comfort food you want in your recipe arsenal, the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe is it. It delivers creamy, cheesy indulgence paired with wholesome ingredients and effortless prep. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a crowd-pleaser, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and flavorful cheeses baked together with rice in a rich Alfredo sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep thanks to its dump-and-bake method, delivering delicious results with little effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy base.
- Pour Mixture into Dish: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
- Add Chicken: Distribute the diced or shredded cooked chicken evenly over the rice mixture in the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Scatter the fresh broccoli florets and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken layer, adding texture and color.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly across the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, then bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.
- Covering with foil during the initial bake prevents the casserole from drying out, ensuring tender rice and moisture retention.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
