There’s something magical about a casserole that comes together in minutes but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. My Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole is exactly that kind of dish—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly light. I first threw this together on a hectic weeknight when my fridge was full of leftovers but my energy was running low. The combination of tender chicken, savory sausage, and melty cheese over fluffy rice was an instant hit with my family. Now it’s our go-to when we need something satisfying without the guilt. Best part? It’s so easy you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole

This casserole is my secret weapon for busy nights, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:

• Quick as a wink: Throw it together in 15 minutes flat—perfect for those "what’s for dinner?!" panic moments.
• Guilt-free comfort: Greek yogurt and low-fat milk keep it creamy without weighing you down (you’d never guess it’s light!).
• Flavor fireworks: The combo of garlicky sausage, juicy chicken, and two types of cheese? Absolute magic.
• Leftover hero: Cleans out your fridge—use up leftover rice, rotisserie chicken, or whatever veggies need rescuing!

Trust me, one bite of that golden, bubbly top and you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients for Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy dish sing—I’ve included my favorite swaps too for when you’re improvising:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works wonders here!)
• 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced (I use spicy Italian, but turkey sausage keeps it lighter)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for low-carb)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, lightly packed (reduced-fat works if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (the powdery kind melts like a dream)
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk (whole milk makes it richer if you’re feeling indulgent)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (sour cream is a fine substitute in a pinch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste—I always sneak in an extra garlic clove!)

See? Simple stuff you probably have on hand already. Now let’s make some magic!

How to Make Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together like a dream—just follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table before you know it. The key is keeping everything organized (I learned that the hard way after a few messy kitchen disasters!).

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First things first—chop that chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes work great). Slice your sausage into thin coins—I like them about 1/4-inch thick so they distribute evenly. If your rice isn’t cooked yet, get that going now—you’ll want about 1 cup of fluffy cooked rice. Pro tip: Day-old rice works even better because it’s less sticky!

Step 2: Combine the Cheese and Proteins

In a big mixing bowl, toss together your diced chicken, sliced sausage, and cooked rice. Now for the fun part—sprinkle in both cheeses! I like to reserve a little cheddar for topping later. Gently mix everything until it looks like the most delicious confetti you’ve ever seen.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, pepper, and salt until smooth. It should look like a thin cream—if it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. This is what’ll make your casserole creamy without being heavy!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the wet mixture over your chicken and rice combo, stirring gently until everything’s coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with that reserved cheddar. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top turns golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes—I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps it set perfectly!

Tips for the Best Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole

After making this casserole more times than I can count, here are my foolproof secrets for guaranteed success:

• Rotisserie chicken is your BFF: Saves so much time! Just shred the meat—those crispy skin bits make an amazing topping if you’re feeling fancy.
• Broccoli boost: Toss in a cup of steamed florets with the rice for extra color and nutrition (frozen works great—just thaw first!).
• Cheese layer magic: Sprinkle half the cheddar in the mix, then reserve the rest for the top—that double-cheese action is everything.
• Resting time matters: Let it sit 5 minutes after baking—those tempting bubbles will stop trying to escape, making perfect slices.

Now go make that casserole shine!

Variations for Your Casserole

This recipe is like a blank canvas—here’s how I love to mix it up when I’m feeling creative (or just cleaning out the fridge!):

• Veggie-loaded: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach—just squeeze out excess moisture first.
• Grain swap: Try quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a different texture (adjust baking time by 5 minutes).
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like heat—my husband always begs for this version!
• Cheese switch: Pepper jack or smoked gouda make fabulous alternatives to cheddar when you want something different.

The possibilities are endless—make it yours!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole shines all on its own, but here’s how I love to round out the meal:

• Crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus add a tasty veggie boost
• Crusty whole-grain bread for mopping up every last cheesy bite

Psst—leftovers make an amazing lunch over greens the next day!

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps like a dream! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions—they’ll stay perfect for 2 months. To reheat, pop it in the microwave (stirring halfway) or bake at 350°F until warmed through. The cheese stays gloriously melty every time!

Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole Nutrition

Here’s the scoop on what’s in this cozy dish—nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients. I always say knowledge is power, especially when you’re balancing comfort food with healthy choices!

• Per serving (about 1 cup): 320 calories
• Protein powerhouse: 28g (thanks to all that chicken and sausage!)
• Smart carbs: 22g with 1g fiber (the rice gives you energy without spiking blood sugar)
• Good fats: 12g total (only 5g saturated—Greek yogurt keeps it light)
• Low sugar: Just 2g naturally occurring (no added sugars here!)

Remember, these numbers can change if you use different cheeses or meats. I sometimes swap in turkey sausage and reduced-fat cheese—that knocks another 50 calories off per serving while keeping all the flavor!

Common Questions About Light Cheesy Chicken, Sausage & Rice Casserole

I get asked about this casserole all the time—here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs!):

• Can I use brown rice? Absolutely! Just note it might make the casserole a touch drier—add an extra splash of milk if needed. I love the nutty flavor it adds.
• How long does it keep? 4 days in the fridge (if it lasts that long!). Freezes beautifully for 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.
• Can I skip the sausage? Sure—double the chicken or add extra veggies. But trust me, that sausage brings the flavor fireworks!
• Is Greek yogurt necessary? It adds tang and creaminess without heaviness, but sour cream works in a pinch.
• Why is my casserole watery? Your rice was probably too wet—next time, spread cooked rice on a tray to dry slightly before mixing.

Still have questions? Just ask—I love talking casseroles!

15-Minute Light Cheesy Chicken Sausage Rice Casserole Bliss

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A light and cheesy casserole with chicken, sausage, and rice for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup cooked sausage, sliced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken, sausage, rice, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese.
3. In another bowl, whisk milk, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the chicken and rice mixture. Stir well.
5. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: light casserole, cheesy chicken, sausage and rice, healthy dinner