If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to fall in love with this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole. Imagine tender shredded chicken mingling with creamy Alfredo sauce, succulent rice cooking up soft and fluffy right in the sauce, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it an absolute weeknight favorite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole plays a key role in creating a luscious, satisfying dish that’s simple but full of flavor and texture. From the creamy Alfredo sauce to the tender chicken and subtly spiced rice, each bite is a delightful dance of comfort food goodness.

2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken: Adds juicy, savory protein ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.
1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine): Cooks tender and fluffy, serving as the perfect starchy base.
3 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth and keeps everything moist.
1 cup Alfredo sauce: Brings creamy, cheesy luxury that ties everything together beautifully.
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional): Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness for balance.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping that’s utterly irresistible.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers gentle warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbal notes that bring the casserole to life.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning that enhances every bite.
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish that makes the dish pop visually and in flavor.
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Provides a smoky, crunchy topping that takes things to the next level.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine your shredded rotisserie chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic begins — all the flavors mix together in one simple step, turning into the foundation of our comforting casserole.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

If you’re using peas and carrots, stir them into your mixture now. These little bursts of color and sweetness not only make the dish more visually appealing but also add a delightful textural contrast.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture inside, ensuring the rice cooks perfectly along with the chicken and sauce. Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes, letting all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

After the initial bake, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. If you’re feeling decadent, scatter the crumbled cooked bacon as well. Then bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a vibrant herbal note and a splash of color that makes each serving feel extra special. Serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

How to Serve Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding a lively green pop and fresh flavor that balances the richness. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or finely grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or roasted vegetables to brighten and lighten the plate. Steamed broccoli or a tangy cole slaw also complement the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dinners, serve the casserole straight from the dish for that comforting, home-cooked vibe. For guests, scoop individual portions into shallow bowls and drizzle a little extra Alfredo sauce on top for a silky finish. You can even add a few crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more after a rest, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers or freeze the entire dish wrapped securely with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and covering loosely to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice for this casserole?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, but jasmine rice works wonderfully too. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, as they may become mushy during baking.

Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but you can definitely use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover roasted, grilled, or poached chicken all work great here.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the Alfredo sauce and mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives. Use a plant-based creamy sauce and vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I make homemade Alfredo sauce for this recipe?

You can whip up a quick Alfredo sauce by melting butter with minced garlic, then stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. It’s fresh and flavorful but store-bought works fine to keep things simple.

Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even broccoli florets. Just keep in mind you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is hands-down one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something that’s cozy, rich, and totally fuss-free. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of complicated steps to create a dinner that feels special and tastes incredible. Give it a try, and I promise this casserole will become a loved staple in your kitchen too!

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy one-dish meal combining tender shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. Enhanced with peas and carrots for a pop of color and topped with melty mozzarella cheese and optional crispy bacon, this casserole is a perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights offering rich flavor with minimal prep.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Add Vegetables: Fold in frozen peas and carrots if using, ensuring they are well incorporated into the mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
First Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb flavors.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add crumbled cooked bacon if desired.
Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling perfectly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the casserole hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

Check the rice for doneness before adding cheese; bake longer if the rice is still undercooked.
Swap mozzarella cheese for cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor variations.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
This casserole freezes well up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American