Chicken and rice casserole is a classic dish that never fails to please. It’s hearty, comforting and easy to make, but what should you serve it with?
If you’re looking for some creative side dishes, look no further!
We’ve got the perfect recipes to match your chicken and rice casserole. Just stay with me to find out what they are and how they make your party a grand success.
A Quick solution for what to serve with chicken and rice casserole- Roasted Vegetables, Garden Salad, Garlic Toast, Roasted Asparagus, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cilantro Lime Rice, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Macaroni & Cheese, Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Corn on the Cob, Creamed Corn, Spaghetti Squash Salad, Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Carrots & Parsnips, Curried Rice Pilaf, Broccoli Salad, Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms, Baked Cheese Garlic Bread, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Caesar Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Green Salad, Baked Beans.
What is a chicken and rice casserole, and what does a chicken and rice casserole taste like?
A chicken and rice casserole is a one-dish meal made with cooked chicken, uncooked rice, vegetables, and seasonings cooked in a creamy sauce.
Chicken and rice casseroles have endless variations, but all feature moist, tender pieces of chicken combined with aromatic spices like garlic or oregano, vegetables such as onions or bell peppers, and flavorful long-grain white or brown rice.
The entire dish is usually topped off with cheese for creaminess and a crunchy breadcrumb topping for texture.
The taste of a chicken and rice casserole can vary widely depending on its ingredients. Generally speaking, it is savory comfort food that goes perfectly with a side salad or fresh fruit.
It has a rich, creamy flavor that is slightly salty and filled with hearty vegetables.
The rice adds a nutty flavor, and the vegetables contribute sweet or earthy undertones, depending on what has been added.
Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
What is a chicken casserole made of?
Chicken casserole is typically made with cooked chicken, vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, peppers, and a creamy sauce.
This dish can be topped with cheese or breadcrumbs for added flavor. Other common ingredients include cream of chicken soup, herbs and spices, white wine, and crushed crackers.
Chicken casseroles can also be made with some additional proteins like bacon or ham.
The finished product is an easy-to-make comfort food that both kids and adults enjoy! Enjoy your homemade chicken casserole with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Bon Appetit!
Top side dishes to serve with chicken and rice casserole
When it comes to serving up a hearty and delicious chicken and rice casserole, there are plenty of sides that can perfectly complement the dish.
Here are 25 delicious side dishes you should serve with your chicken and rice casserole:
1. Roasted Vegetables
A great side dish for any dinner is roasted vegetables. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, squash or peppers.
To make them even more delicious, you can toss them in olive oil and season them with salt and pepper before roasting at 425°F for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
For an extra punch of flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
2. Garden Salad
A light and refreshing garden salad is always a great accompaniment to a hearty meal like chicken and rice casserole.
Start by combining a mix of greens such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and kale in a bowl. Then add your favorite raw veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers or carrots.
Top off the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and white wine vinegar. Sprinkle on some feta cheese for extra flavor if desired!
3. Garlic Toast
I can say you that nothing goes better with chicken and rice casserole than garlic toast! Slice up some crusty Italian bread into ½ inch slices.
Spread softened butter onto the slices, then sprinkle on garlic powder, oregano and Parmesan cheese (optional). Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 375°F until golden brown, then enjoy!
4. Roasted Asparagus
This classic side dish is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also adds your dish a lovely textural contrast to the creamy, soft texture of the casserole.
Nothing says spring like bright green asparagus roasted until just tender; try sprinkling them with some Parmesan cheese before roasting for an extra flavor pop!
They pair especially well next to Italian-style dishes such as our featured one here today.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Richly flavored mashed potatoes offer a creamy texture that matches beautifully with the crunchy top layer of the casserole. For extra flavor, you can stir in roasted garlic cloves before serving.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice
If you’re looking for an interesting new way to serve up traditional white or brown rice, try this flavorful variation on a Mexican-inspired favorite!
It’s full of fresh flavors such as garlic, lime juice and cilantro that will add your dish depth and zing to your meal.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These cabbage-like vegetables are packed with nutrients and burst with flavor when you roast until crispy. Add some bacon or pancetta for an extra savory touch!
8. Macaroni & Cheese
Hearty macaroni combined with creamy cheese sauce makes for a comforting side dish that’s sure to be loved by kids and adults alike! Try adding in some diced ham or bacon bits for an extra punch of flavor.
Moreover, you can also use baked Macaroni & Cheese. This cheesy version uses three kinds of cheeses and is baked until golden brown on top — it’s the perfect combination of comfort food everyone will adore!. Enjoy!
9. Sauteed Spinach & Mushrooms
You can try this classic partner because it is perfect alongside any type of casserole dish; added bonus: mushrooms provide plenty of vitamins and minerals too!
Try adding some freshly grated nutmeg for extra depth or flavor complexity, as well as color contrast!
10. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Who doesn’t love fries?! But if you want something slightly healthier than regular french fries, opt for sweet potato fries instead; they have fewer carbs plus added beta carotene, which helps support eye health!
11. Corn on the Cob
A summertime favorite, corn on the cob is best enjoyed freshly picked and cooked; if that’s not an option, frozen corn works just as well in a pinch.
Additionally, Grilling brings out sweetness while adding a little smokiness to corn on the cob; it’s easy to make outside on the grill or even inside in the oven if needed!
Serve this delicious side next to our chicken/rice casseroles for a complete meal the whole family will love.
12. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn has been around since Colonial times but retains its popularity because it’s simply so good; it offers a slight sweetness that couples well with savory dishes like this one!
Try making yours from scratch using corn cut directly from its cob — yum!!
13. Spaghetti Squash Salad
Spaghetti squash is low carb yet full of antioxidants, vitamins A & C, plus potassium; toss it with your favorite vinaigrette dressing for an easy side salad that’ll pair perfectly with any type of casserole dish, including this one!
14. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casseroles are always popular at holiday dinners, but why not enjoy them year-round? With crunchy onions topping off tender beans in a creamy sauce.
It’s difficult to find anyone who doesn’t like green bean casseroles — especially when you serve them alongside chicken and rice casseroles like this one!
15. Roasted Carrots & Parsnips
These are one of my favorite combos. Roasted carrots and parsnips offer up both subtle sweetness as well as earthiness — two things that go together quite nicely here when served alongside chicken and rice casseroles.
They also provide plenty of important nutrients such as Vitamin A & K too!
16. Curried Rice Pilaf
An interesting twist on plain old cooked rice pilaf is curried rice pilaf; curry powder adds warmth, while nuts add crunch.
All this combined into amazing flavor combinations when you served next to spicy foods such as curried chicken/rice dishes like these ones!
17. Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad recipes vary widely, but all offer you plenty of nutrition plus loads of flavor; try using purple cabbage instead (or in addition) to regular green cabbage for more color contrast, plus Vitamin C boosts too!.
18. Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms
Mushrooms are often overlooked but shouldn’t be forgotten about when considering side dishes; here, garlic butter gives them bursts of flavor without overpowering their mildness.
Just enough flavor to make them stand out when you served them alongside other flavorful dishes like our featured chicken/rice casseroles here today!.
19. Baked Cheese Garlic Bread
No casserole is complete without a side of cheesy garlic bread!
This version uses store-bought rolls baked with butter and garlic and topped off with grated cheese for an extra bit of cheesiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken/rice dishes here today!.
20. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Love me or hate me, brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients and can be delicious when caramelized to perfection.
This version uses butter, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for an amazing side dish that pairs beautifully next to our chicken/rice casseroles here today! Enjoy!
21. Caesar Salad
My all-time favorite side salad, Caesar salads, is topped with Parmesan cheese, croutons and a creamy sauce made from anchovies, garlic, and lemon.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to hearty casseroles such as our featured one here today!. Enjoy every bite!
22. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that works well with almost any type of main dish; try sprinkling them with paprika or your favorite herbs before roasting for an extra flavor boost they’ll love.
Serve up alongside this delicious chicken/rice casserole for a complete meal everyone will enjoy!. Bon appetit!
23. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Another great option for a side dish, roasted sweet potatoes offers up natural sweetness as well as plenty of fiber and nutrients too.
Try roasting them with some rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost that goes perfectly next to our chicken/rice casseroles. So good!
24. Green Salad
A simple green salad is always a great option for a side dish; try adding some crumbled feta cheese, olives, and roasted chickpeas for an extra flavor boost.
Serve alongside our delicious chicken/rice casseroles here today for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!. Bon appetit!
25. Baked Beans
Last but not least, Baked beans in tomato sauce are a classic accompaniment to many dishes; you can try adding some bacon or smoked sausage to the mix for an extra flavor boost.
They pair especially well with comfort-food dishes like these chicken/rice casseroles here today — enjoy every bite! Enjoy!
What are the best flavors to go with chicken and rice casserole?
The most popular flavors to go with chicken and rice casserole include garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, paprika, sage, rosemary, chili powder and black pepper.
Other flavorful ingredients, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, can also be added to the dish. For a creamier version of this classic recipe, consider adding cream of mushroom soup or cheese.
Lastly, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can bring out all the flavors in the dish for an unforgettable meal!
Enjoy!
How do you jazz up chicken and rice casserole?
There are many ways to jazz up chicken and rice casserole. Adding seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, paprika, or cumin can give the dish an extra kick of flavor.
You can also experiment with different sauces and marinades to add more depth to the dish.
Try adding a creamy sauce such as Alfredo sauce, herb cream cheese sauce or white wine sauce for a rich and flavorful meal.
If you want to add some crunchy texture, try topping the casserole with crushed tortilla chips, bread crumbs or panko before baking.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives will also make your casserole look and taste even better.
Finally, don’t be afraid to top it with some cheese, like mozzarella or Parmesan, to give it an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
With these easy additions, you can turn a boring chicken and rice casserole into a delicious meal your whole family will love!
How should chicken and rice casserole be served?
Chicken and rice casserole should be served hot, either straight out of the oven or reheated.
If serving leftovers, make sure to heat them up in a 350°F oven until they are warmed through. Serve with a side salad or vegetable if desired. Enjoy!
Read More- What foods go with rice?
FAQs on what to serve with chicken and rice casserole
Q1. Why is the rice in my casserole not cooking?
There are a few potential causes of this issue. One possibility could be that the rice is not pre-soaked or cooked prior to adding it to the casserole.
If you do not soak or cook the rice ahead of time, it may take longer for it to become fully cooked in the casserole as it absorbs more water and needs more cooking time.
Another possibility is that there may not be enough liquid in your casserole. Rice needs a certain amount of liquid in order to cook properly; if there is not enough liquid, then the rice will remain uncooked even after baking.
Consider adding additional broth or stock when preparing your dish next time.
Lastly, make sure you bake your casserole at the right temperature and for the appropriate amount of time.
If your oven is too hot, then it could be burning the outside of your casserole while leaving the inside undercooked. Similarly, if you do not bake it long enough, then the rice will remain uncooked. Make sure to follow any instructions in your recipe carefully to ensure that your casserole is cooked properly.
If you have tested all of these suggestions and still find that your rice remains uncooked after baking, then consider trying a different type of rice or cooking method next time.
Different kinds of rice require different cooking times, so experimenting with different varieties can help you find one that works well for your dish. Alternatively, try partially pre-cooking your rice on the stovetop before adding it to the casserole. Doing so can help make sure that the rice will be cooked through in time for serving.
No matter what type of dish you are preparing, following these tips and suggestions can help ensure that your rice is cooked properly every time. Good luck!
Q2. How do you know when a casserole is done?
The best way to determine if a casserole is done is by testing the internal temperature of the food with an instant-read thermometer. For most casseroles, you should aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, you can test your casserole by inserting a knife or fork into the center and making sure that it comes out hot. You can also check to see if any cheese added to the top is melted and beginning to brown.
This indicates that the casserole has cooked through sufficiently. Finally, make sure that there is no liquid left in the dish when it is removed from the oven. If there is still liquid present, you may need to put the dish back in the oven for a few extra minutes.
Q3. How do you fix a mushy rice casserole?
First, make sure to use short-grain rice for casseroles. Short-grain rice is best for absorbing the other ingredients in a casserole and will yield a firmer texture. Additionally, be sure to rinse the rice before cooking it; this helps remove extra starch so that the grains don’t clump together.
When cooking your casserole, use enough liquid: generally 1 ½ cups of liquid per cup of dry rice. Also, avoid stirring or mixing the ingredients once they are all added in; this can cause too much stirring, which releases even more starch and makes the dish too soft or mushy.
Finally, cover your casserole while it bakes – this helps trap steam which helps keep the dish moist.
If your casserole still comes out too soft, you can try baking it for a bit longer at a lower temperature; this helps reduce the liquid without drying out the dish.
Additionally, you can try adding crunchy ingredients to the top of your casserole, like nuts or breadcrumbs; these will give some texture and contrast to the final dish. With these tips, you’ll be able to fix that mushy rice casserole in no time!
