Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that your family will love? Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, rich Alfredo sauce, and optional vegetables, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish. The best part? You can literally dump all the ingredients together and bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

This easy family dinner recipe combines the richness of Italian flavors with the convenience of a dump-and-bake method. Imagine pulling a golden, cheesy casserole from the oven, filled with creamy chicken, tender rice, and melty mozzarella—every bite is a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for kids, hosting a casual dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both flavor and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: Minimal prep—dump ingredients, bake, and serve.
Family-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—perfect for picky eaters.
Budget-Friendly: Uses rotisserie chicken and pantry staples for an affordable meal.
One-Dish Meal: Combines protein, starch, and veggies in a single casserole.
Customizable: Add vegetables, bacon, or spices to suit your taste.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for lunch or dinner.

About the Ingredients

Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavorful, tender protein, but you can also use leftover roasted chicken. White rice, preferably long-grain or jasmine, cooks perfectly in the casserole, absorbing the creamy sauce for soft, fluffy results. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor while the rice bakes. Alfredo sauce provides a creamy base that binds everything together; store-bought works for convenience, while homemade adds extra richness. Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color, nutrition, and subtle sweetness. Mozzarella cheese creates a gooey, melty top layer that’s irresistible. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning enhance the flavor without complicated prep, while bacon adds smoky crunch, and fresh parsley brings a pop of color when serving. Using simple ingredients makes this recipe approachable for beginner cooks while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.

Tips & Tricks

Use a 9×13-inch dish to ensure the rice cooks evenly. Covering with foil prevents the rice from drying out during the first 45 minutes of baking. If the rice looks dry before baking is complete, add a splash of chicken broth. You can swap chicken with turkey, ham, or cooked sausage for variation. Sprinkle cheese and bacon at the end for a melty, golden topping. These easy kitchen hacks guarantee a creamy, flavorful casserole every time.

Pro Tips

Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly for a uniform casserole. Measuring rice correctly prevents mushy results. Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight; just add a few extra minutes to baking time. Broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers are excellent additions for more nutrition. Stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream with the Alfredo sauce for an ultra-rich casserole.

Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup uncooked white rice, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 cup Alfredo sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until well combined.

Add Vegetables (Optional)

If using, fold in 1 cup frozen peas and carrots for added color and nutrition.

Bake Covered

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. This ensures the rice absorbs the liquid and cooks perfectly while keeping the casserole moist.

Add Toppings and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 4 slices crumbled cooked bacon over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Variations

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Alfredo sauce and ensure chicken broth is gluten-free. Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or more veggies for a vegetarian version. Mix in Parmesan or cheddar for a richer, more flavorful cheese layer. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. Make individual portions in ramekins for fun meal prep or serving. These customizable casserole variations let you adapt the dish to family preferences while keeping it easy and quick.

How to Store Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes to reheat. You can also assemble the casserole ahead of time and freeze it unbaked; simply add a few extra minutes to the bake time. These dessert and dinner storage tips ensure your casserole stays creamy and flavorful every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight, or freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie? Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works. Just shred it before adding to the casserole.

Can I make it dairy-free? Use dairy-free Alfredo sauce, plant-based cheese, and margarine or olive oil instead of butter.

What vegetables can I add? Broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, or green beans are great options to boost nutrition and color.

How do I keep the rice from being mushy? Use long-grain or jasmine rice, cover the dish while baking, and avoid over-stirring.

Emily