There’s just something about casseroles that feels like home, especially down here in Louisiana. My version of chicken and Knorr rice casserole is a true Southern favorite—simple, filling, and full of love. I remember standing in my grandmother’s warm kitchen back in St. Francisville, watching her layer ingredients in a big glass baking dish. No written recipe, no timers—just intuition and experience. That’s where this dish gets its roots.
Fast forward to today, and now I make this same casserole for my own two kids in New Orleans. It’s become a weeknight lifesaver. When the day’s been long, schoolbags are dumped at the door, and homework is calling, I pull out a bag of Knorr chicken-flavored rice, a few pantry staples, and some shredded chicken. Just like that, dinner’s in the oven and the house starts to smell like home again.
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Chicken and Knorr Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy chicken and knorr rice casserole is a Southern-inspired classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s everything you want in a one-dish dinner—comforting, filling, and ready in under an hour. The perfect match for a cozy family meal or your next potluck.
Ingredients
1 packet Knorr Rice Sides – Chicken flavor
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional: 1 cup frozen broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or peas
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Knorr chicken rice according to package instructions, reducing the water slightly.
3. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice, shredded chicken, sour cream, soup, milk, and garlic powder.
4. Fold in optional vegetables and half of the cheese.
5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Great served with a side like knorrs veggie dip or a simple salad.
If you love creamy casseroles, this one rivals a classic spinach dip recipe or even a cheesy spinach artichoke dip recipe.
Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating overnight before baking.
Pairs well with cold dips like spinach dip in bread bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Crave This Chicken and Knorr Rice Casserole
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is. The creamy rice base pairs perfectly with tender chicken, and you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand—broccoli, mushrooms, even frozen peas. It bakes into this golden-topped meal that’s satisfying without being fussy.
I love that it doesn’t require complicated prep or fancy techniques. This is real food—just the kind I grew up with. And while I have a soft spot for classics like knorr spinach dip recipe or a festive spinach dip in bread bowl, it’s casseroles like this one that bring us back to the table, again and again.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just planning leftovers, chicken and Knorr rice casserole makes every bite count.
How to Make Chicken and Knorr Rice Casserole the Easy Way
If you’ve got a bag of Knorr chicken-flavored rice and some cooked chicken on hand, you’re already halfway to dinner. This chicken and Knorr rice casserole is one of the easiest meals I make for busy weeknights—and it never fails to please a hungry table.
What I love most is how forgiving it is. Whether you use rotisserie chicken, baked leftovers, or even grilled chicken breast, it works. I’ve even thrown in extra veggies like chopped spinach or shredded carrots when I had them in the fridge. It’s comfort food with just enough flexibility to keep it interesting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into my go-to casserole:
- 1 packet Knorr Rice Sides – Chicken flavor
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: frozen broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or green peas
Just cook the Knorr rice as directed (but reduce the water slightly), then stir in the sour cream, soup, milk, and seasonings. Fold in your chicken and veggies, then pour everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top, bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, and you’re set.
This casserole has the same creamy comfort as a good spinach artichoke dip recipe, but in full dinner form. It’s hearty, flavorful, and the kind of chicken and Knorr rice casserole that always gets cleaned off the plate—every single time.
Whether it’s for family dinners or make-ahead lunches, you’ll find yourself turning to chicken with rice casserole more than once a week.
Smart Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Knorr Rice Casserole
By now you know the basics of this chicken and Knorr rice casserole, but the magic is in the details. With a few tweaks, you can turn it from a great recipe into your signature dish. I’ve been making this for years, and every time I change it up just a little to keep things fresh.
Start by switching out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery if you’re not a fan of mushrooms. Want more texture? Mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers before baking. Craving crunch? Top it with crushed crackers or fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can absolutely prep this casserole in advance. Mix everything and pour it into your baking dish the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, take it out 15 minutes ahead so it comes to room temperature. Then, bake as usual.
It also freezes beautifully. Wrap the uncooked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Leftovers last 3–4 days in the fridge and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
One thing I love to serve on the side is a fresh veggie tray or a small spinach dip recipe for contrast. That creamy, cold dip with the hot cheesy casserole makes the whole meal feel special.
Every time I serve chicken and Knorr rice casserole, I get asked for the recipe. It’s just one of those feel-good meals that never goes out of style.
Serving Chicken With Knorr Rice Casserole the Right Way
When I think of cozy family dinners, this chicken and Knorr rice casserole is always front and center. It’s creamy, filling, and feeds a crowd without stress. But knowing how to serve it well and what to pair it with takes it from simple to exceptional.
You can serve this casserole as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a crisp green salad for freshness. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit with my kids. Want something lighter? Add roasted carrots or steamed green beans for a little color and crunch.
What Goes Well with Chicken and Knorr Rice Casserole
Casseroles like this need contrast to feel balanced. I often serve a cold dip appetizer like knorrs veggie dip when guests are over. It’s refreshing and keeps everyone happy while the casserole bakes.
For drinks, sweet iced tea or lemon water work great. And if you’re in the mood for a heartier spread, serve this dish alongside baked sweet potatoes or corn on the cob. You’ll have a table full of comfort without needing a dozen recipes.
From a nutrition standpoint, each serving of chicken and Knorr rice offers protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and fat from the cheese and cream. It’s not diet food—but it’s real food. The kind of meal you serve with pride, knowing it will bring people together.
Whether it’s your first time making it or it’s already in your weekly rotation, chicken and Knorr rice casserole is one of those dishes that just works. Warm, comforting, and easy—this is Southern cooking at its most dependable.
FAQs
What are the ingredients in Knorr chicken rice?
Knorr chicken rice typically includes rice, chicken broth flavoring, garlic, onion, and select herbs and spices. It’s a quick side dish that cooks up creamy and flavorful in under 10 minutes. It forms the perfect base for adding chicken, veggies, or even cheese in a chicken and Knorr rice casserole.
What goes in chicken and rice casserole?
Most chicken and rice casseroles include cooked or shredded chicken, a starch (like rice or noodles), a creamy binder (such as sour cream or soup), and cheese. In this version, Knorr chicken rice is the star, mixed with cream soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese for a satisfying, family-friendly bake.
What are the ingredients in crack chicken casserole?
Crack chicken casserole usually features chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon bits. Some versions add pasta or rice, but it’s typically known for being rich and cheesy with a bold ranch flavor—much heavier than a classic chicken and Knorr rice casserole.
What are the ingredients in Knorr chicken broccoli rice?
Knorr chicken broccoli rice mix includes rice, chicken-flavored seasoning, dried broccoli bits, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s perfect for tossing into casseroles or enjoying as a simple side. You can even use it as a base for other comfort meals or to mix things up with a dish like spinach dip on the side.
conclusion
Some recipes just stick with you—and this chicken and Knorr rice casserole is one of them. It’s easy enough for weeknights, cozy enough for Sunday dinner, and flexible enough to make your own. I’ve served it to guests, reheated it for lunch, and packed it up for friends who needed comfort. Every time, it brought smiles and second servings.
It’s not just about the rice and chicken—it’s about what this dish represents. A warm kitchen. A quiet evening. A moment to sit and reconnect at the table. That’s what food is supposed to do, and that’s why this recipe matters to me.
And hey—if you want to make the whole dinner a little more fun, serve a spinach dip bread bowl as an appetizer or whip up a quick knorr spinach dip for the kids to snack on while the casserole bakes. These small touches make meals feel like celebrations, even when the day’s been long.
In a world full of trends and complicated meals, I always come back to chicken and Knorr rice casserole. It’s simple, dependable, and cooked with love—just like my grandmother would’ve done.
If you’re looking for a lighter variation packed with vibrant flavor, you might also enjoy this Knorr broccoli chicken rice recipe with Cali flair.
