Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate One-Dish Comfort Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty, creamy casserole that comes together effortlessly—and the Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole fits the bill perfectly. This dish has earned its place as a go-to dinner solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or lazy weekends when you crave comfort food without the fuss.

Casseroles have long held a cherished spot in family kitchens for their convenience, flavor, and versatility. What makes this particular casserole stand out is the ease with which it’s prepared: no boiling, no pre-cooking, no fancy techniques. As the name suggests, you simply dump all the ingredients into a baking dish and bake it—allowing the oven to do the heavy lifting.

Creamy Alfredo sauce envelopes tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and savory seasonings to create a rich, filling dish that satisfies every craving. It’s a recipe that balances indulgence and simplicity, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or needing a dish to bring to a gathering, this casserole offers a dependable solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.

In the sections to come, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, customization ideas, nutritional information, and more. By the end, you’ll not only have a complete grasp of how to make this delicious dump-and-bake dish, but you’ll also understand why it deserves a regular spot on your dinner rotation.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Preparing this comforting casserole is refreshingly simple, even for beginners in the kitchen. Despite its simplicity, the final result is packed with rich flavor and creamy texture. These step-by-step instructions will guide you through the entire process—from prepping the ingredients to pulling the finished casserole out of the oven.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before you begin combining ingredients, make sure your oven is ready. Preheating is essential to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Allow it to preheat fully while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

This temperature is ideal for cooking the rice and chicken thoroughly without drying out the dish.

Step 2: Choose the Right Baking Dish

For this recipe, a standard 9×13-inch baking dish (3-quart capacity) works perfectly. It provides enough room for all the ingredients to cook evenly and allows space for bubbling and expansion during baking.

• Use a glass or ceramic baking dish if possible. Metal pans may cause uneven heating.

• Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Prepare the Ingredients for Mixing

Now it’s time to gather and prep the ingredients that will go directly into the baking dish.

You Will Need:

• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

• 2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (leftover rotisserie or poached chicken works well)

• 1 (15-ounce) jar of Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (optional; adjust to taste)

• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms or chopped broccoli (optional)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richer flavor)

Step 4: Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish

This is the core of the “dump and bake” process. No need for sautéing or stovetop steps—simply layer and mix everything right in the baking dish.

How to Dump and Mix:

1. Add the uncooked rice to the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

2. Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the rice.

3. Pour in the entire jar of Alfredo sauce.

4. Add the chicken broth. Pour gently to avoid splashing.

5. Add shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any optional vegetables or seasonings you’re using.

6. Stir everything together gently using a large spoon or silicone spatula. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged in the liquid to ensure it cooks properly.

7. Smooth the top with your spoon to create an even surface.

Step 5: Cover the Dish Tightly

Proper covering is key for moisture retention. The rice needs a sealed environment to absorb the liquid and cook evenly.

• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

• Make sure the foil is sealed around the edges to trap steam.

Do not bake uncovered at this stage, as the liquid will evaporate before the rice is done.

Step 6: Bake in the Preheated Oven

With your dish prepped and covered, it’s time to let the oven do the work.

• Place the baking dish on the center rack.

• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Check at the 50-minute mark by carefully removing the foil and testing the rice with a fork. If it’s still firm or crunchy, re-cover and continue baking in 5–10 minute increments. Cooking time may vary depending on oven calibration and the type of rice used.

Step 7: Add Cheese Topping and Bake Uncovered

Once the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened:

1. Remove the foil.

2. Sprinkle an additional ½ to 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.

3. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered.

4. Bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.

For an extra-crispy top, you can broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to sit for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the dish firm up slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. The flavors will also meld more as it cools slightly.

• If there’s still a bit of liquid in the pan, it will continue to absorb during this resting period.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or extra Parmesan if desired.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop generous portions onto plates or bowls and serve hot. This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s a complete meal on its own but can also be a filling side dish alongside lighter proteins.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Results

• Use cooked chicken: Raw chicken won’t have enough time to cook thoroughly in this recipe. Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it in.

• Stick to long-grain white rice: Short grain, brown rice, or wild rice may require different cooking times and liquid ratios.

• Don’t skip the cover: Baking with foil is essential for trapping steam and cooking the rice properly.

• Customize with vegetables: Frozen peas, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers can be added for extra nutrition and texture.