📖 Table of Contents

Turning Leftover Roast Chicken into Culinary Gold: Leftover Roast Chicken and Rice Casserole

In the world of leftovers, there’s a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered—leftover roast chicken and rice casserole. View the recipe below!

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Stay informed with our newsletter! Sign up to receive updates on new recipes and culinary articles. Plus, after subscription, you get a FREE sample of the cookbook “10 Common Mistakes Anyone Can Make In The Kitchen” (download link provided in the Welcome email.)

Leftover Roast Chicken and Rice Casserole

This ingenious recipe takes humble leftover roast chicken to new culinary heights by thoughtfully combining it with a decadent, cheesy sauce and fluffy rice. We begin with tender morsels of roasted chicken, which offer depth of flavor from the initial roasting. These savory chicken pieces get nestled into a bed of creamy, just-cooked rice, which provides a blank canvas for the other ingredients to shine.

The magic happens when we blanket the chicken and rice with an indulgent cheese sauce infused with white wine. The wine lends a subtle fruitiness and acidity that brightens the entire dish. Melted cheese binds everything together, imparting a rich, tangy creaminess. As the leftover roast chicken and rice casserole bakes, the cheese sauce permeates every grain of rice, while the chicken pieces impart their juices into the surrounding creaminess.

With minimal effort, this comforting casserole transforms leftover chicken from mundane to marvelous. The initial roast chicken provides the foundation of flavor, while the cheese sauce and rice offer a soothing backdrop for that flavor to sing. The white wine adds an unexpected yet harmonious layer, resulting in a cohesive symphony of textures and flavors.

This ingenious leftover roast chicken and rice casserole recipe proves that with thoughtful pairing and a touch of creativity, even the humblest leftovers can be elevated into a magnificent new dish. It takes the comforting, familiar flavors of roast chicken and rice and reinventes them into an elegant, restaurant-worthy casserole bursting with richness, complexity and warmth. With just a few additional ingredients, leftovers become extraordinary.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories

Ingredients

3 cups leftover roast chicken, shredded or cubed
3 cups cooked rice
2 10.5-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
½ cup white wine
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup chicken broth
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme (our unique twist!)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or cubed leftover roast chicken and cooked rice.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, white wine, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice. Stir everything together until the chicken and rice are evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese and soup can be a bit salty, so go easy on the salt.
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a beautiful golden crust.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully.

Notes

Cooking Tips for the Best Results:

Use quality cheddar cheese for that irresistible gooeyness.
Don’t overcook the casserole. Keep an eye on it after removing the foil to prevent burning the top layer.
Experiment with different herbs and spices for a personalized touch. Our unique addition of dried thyme adds a delightful earthy note.
If you prefer a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes, but watch it closely.
This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future convenience.

FAQs about the Leftover Roast Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Can I use other types of cheese?

While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can get creative with variations like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different taste.

Can I substitute white wine with something non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or apple juice as a white wine substitute.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it when ready.

What do I do if the casserole is too dry?

Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to moisten it before baking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Read more here for additional info about leftover chicken. Also, I recommend other interesting articles related to this topic, including articles on Classic Leftover Roast Chicken Soup, Leftover Roast Chicken Tacos, Leftover Roast Chicken Fried Rice, Leftover Roast Chicken Quesadillas, Leftover Roast Chicken Caesar Salad, Leftover Roast Chicken and Spinach Salad, Leftover Roast Chicken and Avocado Wraps, Leftover Roast Chicken Pizza, and more (see below.)

📖 Cooking article by

The Passionate Gourmet

Easy Leftover Roast Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe