Chicken and rice casserole is one of those comforting meals that just feels like home But even the yummiest casserole needs some friends on the plate! If you’ve ever wondered “what goes with chicken and rice casserole,” you’re in the right place I’ve put together this mega-list of side dishes that’ll transform your basic casserole into a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why Serve Sides with Chicken and Rice Casserole?
Lemme tell you something – while chicken and rice casserole is pretty much a complete meal on its own (protein, starch, often some veggies mixed in), adding side dishes does a few important things:
- Adds more nutrition to your meal with extra vegetables
- Creates contrast in texture and flavor
- Makes the meal more filling for hungry folks
- Adds color to what might otherwise be a beige-ish plate
- Gives options for picky eaters at the table
Best Vegetable Sides for Chicken and Rice Casserole
Green Veggies
Green vegetables provide the perfect contrast to the creamy, carb-heavy nature of chicken and rice casserole. Here are some favorites:
Green Beans
- Green Beans Almondine: Fresh green beans with crunchy toasted almonds
- Green Beans and Bacon: Because bacon makes everything better!
- Roasted Green Beans and Carrots: Simple, healthy, and colorful
- Green Beans and Potatoes: A two-in-one side that’s super filling
Broccoli
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli: Crispy, cheesy goodness
- Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli: Ready in just 10 minutes!
- Mandarin Broccoli Salad: A surprising sweet-savory combo
Brussels Sprouts
- Chili Garlic Brussels Sprouts: Spicy and flavorful
- Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: A twist on the classic salad
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Onions: The perfect combo
Root Vegetables
Root veggies add hearty substance and natural sweetness to balance out your meal.
Carrots
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and buttery
- Roasted Carrots and Asparagus: Simple but elegant
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots: Savory and satisfying
Potatoes
- Southern Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions: Comfort food at its finest
- Steakhouse Potatoes Romanoff: Restaurant-quality at home
- Crispy Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes: Great for using leftover mashed potatoes
- Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: Hands-off and so creamy
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy without all the oil
- Duchess Potatoes: Fancy but worth the effort for special occasions
Other Vegetables
- Roasted Eggplant: Tender, caramelized, and perfect for dipping
- Spinach with Chicken Broth and Garlic: Quick 15-minute side
- Sautéed Zucchini and Goat Cheese: Creamy and fresh
- Sautéed Leeks and Peas: Sweet and delicious
- Grilled Zucchini: Perfect for summer meals
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn: Sweet and rich
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus: Simple but elegant
Fresh Salads to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole
Salads add a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, soft texture of casseroles. Try these:
Green Salads
- Greek Salad: With feta, olives, and a tangy dressing
- Kale Salad with White Balsamic Dressing: Healthy but still delicious
- Kale Avocado Salad: Creamy and nutritious
- Easy Garden Salad: Simple and fresh
- Green Goddess Chopped Salad: Herby and bright
Fruit-Based Salads
- Fruit Salad with Condensed Milk: Sweet enough to be dessert!
- Watermelon Caprese Salad: Refreshing summer option
- Ambrosia Salad: A sweet treat that pairs surprisingly well
Special Salads
- Colorful Cobb Salad: Hearty enough to be a meal on its own
- Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad): Tangy and refreshing
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Light and zesty
- Caprese Salad: Classic Italian simplicity
- Cold Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein and veggies
Bread and Starchy Sides
Yes, your casserole already has rice, but sometimes you just need some bread to sop up all that delicious sauce!
- Soft and Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls: Pillowy perfection
- Homemade Garlic Bread: Cheesy, garlicky goodness
- Best Cornbread Ever: Sweet or savory – your choice
- Fried Cornbread: A Southern classic
- Cheddar Cheese Biscuits: Like Red Lobster, but better
- Herbed Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls: Fancy enough for company
- Cheddar and Chive Savory Scones: Not just for breakfast!
Soups to Serve with Chicken and Rice Casserole
Starting with a small cup of soup can make your meal feel restaurant-fancy
- Easy Butternut Squash Soup: Rich and creamy
- Pumpkin Soup: Perfect for fall
- Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup: The ultimate comfort food
- Broccoli Cheese Soup: Kids love this one
- Vegetable Marrow Soup: A British classic
- Creamy Roasted Vegetable Soup: Full of flavor
Fun Extras and Appetizers
These little extras can take your meal to the next level:
- Homemade Salsa: Fresh and zingy
- Classic Guacamole: Always a crowd-pleaser
- Classic Hummus: Great with veggie sticks
- Bruschetta: Fancy but easy
- Fried Sweet Plantains: A Latin American favorite
Complete Meal Ideas Based on Season
Not sure which sides to choose? Here are some seasonal combinations:
Spring Meal
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Roasted asparagus
- Kale salad with white balsamic dressing
- Dinner rolls
Summer Meal
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Grilled zucchini
- Watermelon caprese salad
Fall Meal
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Maple glazed carrots
- Pumpkin soup
- Cornbread
Winter Meal
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Garlic parmesan brussels sprouts
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Homemade garlic bread
Tips for Serving Sides with Casseroles
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Consider timing: Choose sides that can cook while your casserole is in the oven, or that can be made ahead.
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Mind the temperature: Try to have at least one cold side to balance the hot casserole.
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Think about the flavor profile: If your casserole is creamy and mild, add sides with bright flavors or acidity.
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Color counts: Try to add at least one colorful vegetable to brighten up the plate.
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Texture matters: Contrast the soft casserole with something crunchy or crisp.
My Personal Favorites
When I make chicken and rice casserole at our house, my go-to sides are usually garlic green beans and a simple garden salad. My kids LOVE when I add those cheddar biscuits too (who wouldn’t?). For special occasions, I’ll make the maple glazed carrots and some homemade rolls.
What I love about chicken and rice casserole is how versatile it is – you can dress it up or down depending on what sides you choose. Fancy dinner party? Add those duchess potatoes and roasted asparagus. Quick weeknight meal? Throw together a simple salad and heat up some frozen vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and rice casserole is already a winner on its own, but the right sides can take it from good to AMAZING. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or gourmet adults, there’s something on this list that’ll work for your table.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Try different combinations until you find your family’s favorites. And remember – even the simplest side dish can make your meal feel complete.
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken and rice casserole? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
What Goes With Chicken Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole
Adding a colorful side dish is ideal for this delicious casserole. The wholesome, rich flavors of the rice and cheese go perfectly with fresh vegetables. Some yummy sides to serve it with are:
- Lock in the Steam: It is important that the pan is SECURELY covered with the foil. The steam must be captured in order for the rice to cook properly.
- Par-Cooked the Chicken: Searing the meat first 1-2 minutes per side in oil in a skillet over high heat is optional. The bake time should be about the same or 5-10 minutes less.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken: You can also make this using cooked leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply use 2 1/2-3 cups of protein, increase the water from 1/2 cup to 1 cup (or broth), either microwave the frozen broccoli 5 minutes or substitute with fresh broccoli, and adjust the bake time to 30-35 minutes. The rice will still be tender with this cooking method.
- Chicken Cut Success: Swap thighs for chicken breasts or tenders if you prefer white meat. The chicken shouldn’t be thicker than ½-inch. If the pieces are too big, it will not be cooked through in the specified time. If your meat needs additional cook time, simply recover and bake an additional 5-15 minutes or until and internal temperature of 165ºF is met.
- Don’t Prepare The Rice Beforehand : Whichever chicken cut you choose or whether it’s with the pre-cooked, pre-seared, or raw cooking method chosen, the rice will cook in a minimum cook time of 30 minutes.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken: You can substitute cream of chicken Campbell’s soup with this homemade version:
- Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/3 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in 1/3 cup milk and 1/3 cup chicken broth until well combined. Season with 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and salt and pepper to taste. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes or until thickened and creamy.
- Knorr Rice Substitute: You can substitute rice packets with 1 1/4 cups rinsed long-grain white rice or 1 cup brown rice. You might want to add seasonings such as salt, garlic and/or onion powder. The packets also boost the cheesy flavor, so consider adding more cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
- The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix everything directly in the baking dish! Combine both rice packets, broth, cream of chicken, water, some cheese, and broccoli in your pan.
- MAKE SURE your chicken is not thicker than 1/2-inch. Thicker than this can yield undercooked meat at the end of the bake time. Filet or cut the thighs or breasts into cubes if necessary. Season the meat on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Nestle the seasoned protein into the rice in one even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- TIGHTLY cover the dish with aluminum foil. This is important so that the steam doesn’t escape. Bake the casserole at 350°F for 1 hour, then remove the foil and cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is slightly browned.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole | Get Cookin’ | Allrecipes
FAQ
What is a good side dish for chicken casserole?
- Garlic Green Beans. Garlic Green Beans. …
- Roasted Beet Salad. Roasted Beet Salad. …
- Roasted Broccoli. Roasted Broccoli. …
- Butter Swim Biscuits. Butter Swim Biscuits. …
- Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables. Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables. …
- Oven Roasted Acorn Squash. …
- Cheesy Cornbread. …
- Cowboy Baked Beans.
What goes well with chicken and rice?
Chicken and rice pair well with a wide variety of side dishes, including roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans, fresh salads such as a green salad or a cucumber raita, and other starches like potatoes or corn. You can also enhance the meal with various sauces, such as gravy, teriyaki, or a yogurt-based sauce.