Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole : Easy Family Favorite Dinner

When life gets busy and dinner needs to be fast, affordable, and kid-approved, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a lifesaver. Creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice come together in one pan—no need to pre-cook anything. Whether you’re feeding a big family or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole fits into your weekly rotation with ease.

This recipe is ideal for busy moms needing quick and easy dinner recipes for a crowd or anyone looking for cheap dinners for a family of 6 that don’t feel “cheap.” It’s cozy comfort food made for real life—and it’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Why This Dump-and-Bake Casserole Works

Dump-and-bake casseroles are perfect for hectic nights. There’s no sautéing, no boiling, and no complicated prep. Everything cooks together in the oven, letting the rice absorb all that creamy Alfredo goodness while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

It also works year-round. During busy school months, it’s a weeknight win. In summer, it pairs perfectly with light sides like cucumber dill salad or fruit dip for a fresh and easy dinner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll likely have most of these ingredients on hand:

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Feel free to mix it up! Try tossing in spinach, mushrooms, or even bacon. If you love twists on pasta, you might also enjoy this cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce for a seasonal variation.

Tools You’ll Need

No fancy kitchen gadgets here. Just a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, measuring cups, and foil. This is perfect for a one-dish meal with minimal cleanup, just like our favorite one-pan ground chicken casserole.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, Alfredo sauce, broth, veggies, and seasonings. Mix until well combined. Pour everything into the prepared dish and spread evenly.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and return to the oven for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden.

Let it rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. That’s it!

Make It Your Own

Want to get creative? Try these ideas:

• Swap in cooked ground turkey and peppers stir fry for a twist
• Add a layer of flavor with sweet chili sauce or hot sauce
• Use brown rice or quinoa—just adjust liquid and baking time
• Love cheese? Sub in cheddar or try a combo like in our cheesy mashed potato puffs

Pair It With These Easy Sides

This casserole is a full meal, but you can round it out with:

• A crisp green salad or cucumber shrimp salad
• Buttery rolls or cheddar bay biscuits
• Roasted veggies like garlic herb roasted carrots and zucchini
• Sweet desserts like mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl or pumpkin truffles

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Storing and Reheating

Let leftovers cool completely, then store in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven.

Want to freeze it? You can freeze before baking (thaw overnight before cooking) or freeze cooked portions for easy lunches later—just like you would with make-ahead breakfast bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes! It’s fast and convenient. Choose a good-quality one or go bold with roasted garlic flavor.

What if I only have frozen chicken?
Thaw it first. Rotisserie or pre-cooked frozen chicken strips work great in a pinch.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely. Use veggie broth and skip the chicken. Add more veggies or a meat alternative like lentils or tofu.

Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Absolutely. Like vegetable casseroles, this dish reheats beautifully and gets even more flavorful the next day.

Final Thoughts

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Rice Casserole is a no-stress recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or even serving guests. Pair it with sides or desserts from our dinner category to build your full meal.

If you love cozy, comforting recipes that come together quickly, you might also enjoy:

• Keto Meatball Parmesan Casserole
• Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon
• Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Bookmark this recipe, pin it, or print it for your recipe binder. And if your family loves it, be sure to explore our growing library of easy family dinners made to simplify your life and satisfy your cravings.

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