Tasty Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort finds its perfect expression in this creamy chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth with every forkful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly into a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Families adore this classic combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, velvety sauce.

Simple yet satisfying, the recipe speaks to those who cherish home-cooked meals.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum flavor.

Layered with love and seasoned with care, each bite tells a delicious story.

Dive in and let this comforting meal become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Chicken And Rice Casserole That’s Creamy, Filling, And Fuss-Free

Unlock Quick Comfort: Effortless one-dish meal that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.

Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in a single bowl, mix, and bake – perfect for busy weeknights when cooking energy is low and hunger is high.

Family Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy texture with tender chicken and soft rice appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable pantry staples and leftover chicken, delivering restaurant-quality taste without breaking the bank or requiring expensive ingredients.

What You’ll Find in Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty foundation of the casserole, best when using cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Creamy mixture that provides rich, smooth texture and deep savory flavor, helping to bind and moisturize the casserole.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice combination that adds depth and traditional comfort food flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Breadcrumbs: Cheesy topping that creates a golden, crispy surface with melted cheese goodness, adding textural contrast and extra richness.

• Uncooked Rice: Starchy component that absorbs liquid and creates a hearty base, will cook perfectly within the creamy sauce.

• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish, ensuring easy serving and preventing sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps steam and cook the casserole evenly during initial baking phase.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Instructions That Comfort

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Rice

Toss in your cooked chicken and uncooked rice into the sauce.

Stir everything until the chicken and rice are completely coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring a perfect layer of deliciousness.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 45 minutes.

This allows the rice to cook and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil.

Give the casserole a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 7: Optional Crispy Finish

If you’re craving some crunch, scatter breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top with melted, bubbly cheese that’s irresistibly tempting.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with pure joy!

Creamy Casserole Tips for Chicken and Rice Lovers

• Select high-quality chicken breasts and recently purchased cream of chicken soup for the best flavor and texture.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or wild rice blend for added nutrition and interesting texture, adjusting liquid measurements accordingly.
• Use room temperature shredded cheese to ensure even melting and prevent clumping, creating a smooth and creamy cheese layer.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and adding extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when ready to cook.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Store Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain creamy consistency.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through.

What Complements Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add fresh crunch.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots to complement the hearty main dish and boost nutritional value.
• Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy textures and enhance the chicken's subtle flavors.
• Crusty Bread Side: Serve warm, rustic bread to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft casserole.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Enhancements

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu, mushrooms, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade cream sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate option. Keep all other ingredients the same and enjoy a keto-friendly adaptation of the classic recipe.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Option: Use dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk cream. Select dairy-free cheese substitutes and ensure all other ingredients meet dairy-free requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking time, so increase broth by 1/2 cup and extend total baking time by 15-20 minutes.

• How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Use uncooked rice and ensure proper liquid ratio. The recipe’s liquid measurements are specifically balanced to cook rice perfectly without making it soggy.

• What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or freshly cooked shredded chicken are excellent options. Ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender before mixing into the casserole.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate. Cover tightly with foil and add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy chicken and rice casserole, blending hearty ingredients with rich, velvety textures. Warm flavors and simple preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll savor to the last comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups (approx. 340 grams) cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup (180 grams) long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Creamy and Flavor Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter (for greasing the dish)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine the creamy soup mixture with aromatic seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a rich, flavor-packed base for the casserole.
2. Gently fold tender, diced chicken and uncooked rice into the velvety sauce, ensuring each grain and morsel is evenly coated with the luxurious blend.
3. Transfer the cohesive mixture into a buttered baking dish, distributing it uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
4. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, allowing the ingredients to steam and meld together in a controlled, moist environment within a preheated 350°F oven.
5. After three-quarters of an hour, unveil the dish and give the contents a careful stir to promote even heat circulation and prevent any rice from sticking.
6. Generously blanket the surface with sharp cheddar cheese, creating a golden, tempting layer that will transform into a crispy, melted topping.
7. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an additional layer of textural contrast and subtle crunch.
8. Return the casserole to the oven for a final 10-15 minutes, watching for the cheese to bubble and the surface to achieve a beautiful, bronzed appearance.
9. Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving, letting the flavors settle and intensify for a truly satisfying comfort meal.

Notes

• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for extra flavor and moisture in the casserole.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier alternative.
• For gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream of chicken soup alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg