Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole

This Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole is a warm, satisfying dinner that brings together tender chicken, flavorful yellow rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, family-friendly recipe that combines the savory flavors of seasoned chicken with the aromatic richness of yellow rice. Ideal for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, this casserole is both easy to make and incredibly filling.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked yellow rice (or 1½ cups uncooked yellow rice mix)
• 1 lb (≈450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 can (10 oz / ~280 g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp turmeric or saffron (for color and aroma, optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked yellow rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and ½ cup shredded cheese.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken mixture until evenly blended.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.