This post may contain references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Oh Sweet Basil may receive compensation when you click on links to such products.
Well we did it, we busted out another casserole recipe for you. And not just any casserole, we listened loud and clear when you told us what you like about recipes, ranch, cheese, chicken, rice and easy. This cheesy ranch chicken and rice casserole hits all of that plus there’s a bunch of veggies in there AND you can pick between brown or white rice, we tested both with the exact same results. Boom.
Why do we all love chicken so much? Did you know that beef actually used to be eaten more and it was cheaper? Now it’s all about the chicken. For this recipe we started out with leftover rotisserie chicken because I didn’t have to cook it, but you could totally just bake, boil, or pan cook up some chicken breasts. Heck, you could even use ground chicken or turkey in this recipe and it would turn out.
Did you know that one of the most asked questions on our site is actually about meat substitutes? It’s true. “Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?” The answer is always yes. Listen, ground meat is ground meat and you totally can substitute. If you’re trying to be healthier our favorites are ground turkey, ground bison or ground chicken in last place. Ground beef is not unhealthy, you just have to be careful with draining grease and eating too much red meat.
Anyway, we love you all and so very much enjoy your comments and emails. Keep them coming and make this cheesy ranch chicken and rice casserole for dinner!
What Rice is the Healthiest?
Brown rice is usually considered healthier than white rice.
Varieties of brown rice such as jasmine and basmati still contain their germ and bran layers.
Bran layers provide important nutrients including B vitamins, bone-building phosphorus, and magnesium.
Is Rice Gluten Free?
Yes, all rice is gluten free.
Rice is one most popular gluten free grains.
Are Mushrooms Good for You?
Mushrooms are fat-free, low-sodium, low-calorie, and cholesterol-free.
They also provide fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole
Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/2 Cup Minced Mushrooms
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 1/4 Cup Flour
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken, chopped
- 1 Cup Sliced Carrots, heaping, steamed
- 1 Cup Broccoli, heaping, steamed
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup White or Brown Rice
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas *optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese, sliced (about 9-12 slices)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter until melted, and then the mushrooms and garlic.3 Tablespoons Butter, 1 Clove Garlic, 1/2 Cup Minced Mushrooms
- Stir occasionally for 1-2 minutes then quickly whisk in the flour.1/4 Cup Flour
- Allow to cook for 30 seconds more and add the ranch, milk and broth, whisking until it begins to simmer.2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix, 1 Cup Milk, 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
- Cook 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
- Spray an 8x8" baking dish with nonstick spray then add the chicken, veggies, additional broth, water, sauce and rice.2 Cups Cooked Chicken, 1 Cup Sliced Carrots, 1 Cup Broccoli, 1 Cup Chicken Broth, 1 Cup Water
- Stir to combine and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until rice is tender.1 Cup White or Brown Rice
- Remove from the oven and stir in the peas and any additional seasoning, sampling to get the rice flavorful.1 Cup Frozen Peas *optional, Salt and Pepper to taste
- Top with cheese and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.Colby Jack or Cheddar Cheese
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Green Bean Casserole with Fried Potatoes on top!
Chicken Alfredo and Rice Casserole
Could you review your nutrition facts, please? Or what size is a serving. Using the suggested 6 servings I think the rice alone would add about 23 carbs. Then there is flour, peas, and more. Also, your protein count it quite off I think. I realize the actual counts will vary to individual serving sizes but this doesn’t add up at all.
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention AJ! We have been having so much trouble with our nutrition calculator. You are absolutely right on the carbs and protein. The serving size is about 1 cup. The nutrition info has been updated. Thanks again!
Planning to make this tonight but I don’t have an 8X9 pan – could I use a 9X13? Suggestions welcome!
You can use a 8×8 or 9×9.
Is it 1 cup of uncooked or cooked rice?
Uncooked!!! 🙂
How much rice do you use?
Hey Jordan! I’m so sorry! I’m updating the recipe now!
I still don’t see how much rice you need.
It has been updated. It is one cup of rice, but double check all the ingredients because I changed a couple of other things. Sorry about the confusion!
I’m not seeing instructions on how make? Please help!
Hi Deanna! I’m so sorry! That has been fixed. Enjoy!
I covered to bake is this correct. Uncovered with cheese.
You can actually do either way. 🙂
Made this today! I grilled the chicken, added more mushrooms and used jasmine rice. As a treat put crushed sour cream/onion potato chips on top after baking. My husband swooned over the meal. It’s just us 2 (we’re empty-nesters, 3 grown children!) so we’ll get a couple days out of this. Thank you so much, I’ve been cooking/baking for 30yrs and know a good casserole when I see it. Love your site, will visit often.
Terry, I love that chip idea!! My mom totally would too and since this is based off of her recipe I’ll have to tell her. I can’t even imagine being an empty nester but at the same time it seems like it’s coming faster than we realize.
When do you add the cream sauce?
Sorry, Megan it’s with the water. Fixed it and thanks for asking!
Can frozen carrots & broccoli be used in place of steamed?
Absolutely! Just place them in a bowl of warm water, drain the water once defrosted and proceed as normal. 🙂