When you need an easy dinner that feels warm, filling, and comforting, this Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup Chicken Casserole is an excellent recipe to keep on hand.
Unlike the broccoli cheddar soup recipe, this is a true baked casserole built around chicken, rice, cheddar cheese soup, and a bubbling cheese topping.
Everything comes together in one baking dish, making it especially convenient for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
The canned cheddar cheese soup does most of the work when it comes to creating the creamy sauce. There’s no need to prepare a separate roux or cheese sauce on the stove.
The chicken and rice absorb all that savory flavor as the casserole bakes, while shredded cheddar creates a golden, bubbly topping.
It’s simple comfort food with minimal preparation and cleanup.
Ingredients
For approximately 6 servings:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for the baking dish
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
How to Make Cheddar Chicken & Rice Casserole
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
2. Make the Creamy Cheddar Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar cheese soup, chicken broth, and milk.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Stir in about ½ cup of shredded cheddar.
Pour the mixture evenly over the rice.
3. Add the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into medium bite-sized pieces.
Season lightly with salt and pepper, then distribute the chicken evenly over the rice mixture.
Press the pieces gently into the liquid so they’ll stay moist while baking.
4. Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for approximately 45–55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Cooking time can vary depending on the rice, baking dish, and size of the chicken pieces.
If the rice is still firm, add a small splash of hot chicken broth, cover again, and continue baking.
Add the Golden Cheddar Topping
Once the rice and chicken are cooked, remove the foil.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the casserole.
Return it to the oven uncovered for approximately 5–10 minutes, until the cheddar has completely melted and is bubbling around the edges.
For extra color, briefly place it under the broiler while watching it carefully.
You want those delicious little browned cheese spots without burning the top.
The Creamy Soup Shortcut
The key ingredient here is condensed cheddar cheese soup.
Instead of making a traditional cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, the condensed soup creates an instant creamy base.
Adding chicken broth prevents the casserole from becoming excessively heavy while providing enough liquid for the rice to cook.
Then the freshly shredded cheddar topping adds a stronger cheese flavor and that irresistible melted finish.
Optional Crunchy Topping
Want to add another texture?
Mix:
- ¾ cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Scatter the mixture over the cheese during the final few minutes of baking.
You’ll get a crispy, buttery top contrasting with the creamy chicken and rice underneath.
Easy Variations
You can easily customize this casserole.
Add frozen peas during the final 15 minutes for some sweetness and color.
For a smoky version, stir cooked bacon pieces into the casserole before adding the final cheddar topping.
You could also add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or cooked broccoli if you want more vegetables.
What to Serve with Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Because chicken and rice make this casserole quite filling, simple sides work best.
Try serving it with roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, a crisp garden salad, or garlic bread.
For a cozy fall dinner, roasted Brussels sprouts also pair nicely with the rich cheddar sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They can generally be kept refrigerated for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole and warm it gently in the oven.
Because rice continues absorbing moisture while refrigerated, adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk before reheating can help restore the creamy consistency.
A Cozy One-Dish Dinner
This Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup Chicken Casserole turns a pantry shortcut into a satisfying family meal.
Tender chicken, creamy cheddar-infused rice, and a bubbling layer of melted cheese give you a completely different recipe from broccoli cheddar soup while still targeting the rising cheddar cheese soup Pinterest trend.
Serve it hot from the baking dish and you’ve got an easy, cheesy dinner with very little cleanup.
