Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, comforting casserole—and this creamy chicken and rice casserole is the definition of cozy. It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich sauce that ties everything together perfectly. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your new favorite weeknight meal. You’ll find yourself looking forward to the leftovers too—if there are any! It’s simple, hearty, and so satisfying.
Let’s talk about why you’ll absolutely love this dish:
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a feeling of comfort and contentment. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner after a long day or planning a cozy family meal, this casserole has you covered. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:
Comforting: There’s something about the combination of creamy rice, tender chicken, and savory sauce that just feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients to make this dish. It’s made with simple pantry staples that are easy to keep on hand.
Easy to Make: If you’re looking for a no-fuss meal that’s still impressive, this casserole is for you. It’s a throw-it-all-together kind of dish with easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for beginners or busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole has all the flavors that appeal to both kids and adults. It’s one of those dishes that gets devoured at the dinner table every time.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or changing up the seasoning. Want to make it spicier? Throw in a bit of cayenne or chili powder. Or add in some broccoli for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this casserole—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The hero of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked and shredded to create the base for this casserole.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe, providing the ideal texture to absorb the creamy sauce.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This brings all the creaminess and flavor. It creates that rich, savory sauce that ties everything together.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives this casserole that gooey, melty texture and a rich flavor that everyone loves.
Milk: Helps to thin out the soup and make the casserole extra creamy.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are essential for bringing out the best in this casserole. They add a ton of flavor with minimal effort.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this creamy casserole:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden top.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until they’re no longer pink in the center, about 7-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before shredding.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stir until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with a little extra cheese for a cheesy, golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dinner experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. A tangy vinaigrette works wonders!
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans make for the perfect veggie sides, adding a pop of color and nutrition.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, garlic bread to help soak up all the creamy goodness from the casserole.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch of color.
Presentation matters too! Serve this casserole in a beautiful dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra special touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in some cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken from another meal, this is the perfect dish to use it up.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat version, or try using cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Make a double batch and store one for a busy night. Just freeze before baking, then bake it directly from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A1: Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it may require a longer cooking time. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid in the casserole.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake it as usual.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake.
Q5: What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
A5: You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream of chicken sauce or use a different cream-based soup like cream of mushroom.
Q6: Can I add other proteins?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even ham for a delicious variation.
Q7: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply use gluten-free rice and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Q8: How do I reheat this casserole?
A8: To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily. Just make sure you have a larger baking dish to accommodate the increased volume.
Q10: Can I add more cheese?
A10: Of course! Add extra cheese on top for a cheesier casserole, or stir some into the mixture for even more cheesy goodness.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, delicious, and super easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy meal for yourself, this casserole is the perfect choice. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole, combining tender chicken, creamy mushroom soup, rice, and veggies, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family meal!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add protein: Use rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey for convenience.
- Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, add a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese.
- Vegetable variations: Try adding other vegetables, like broccoli or mushrooms, for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg