There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty, home-cooked casserole, especially when it features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, velvety sauce. This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe brings all those elements together in one delightful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The melty cheddar cheese topping combined with the crispy breadcrumb crunch elevates it to a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Prepare to fall in love with every bite of this creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe comes together from simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the creamy soups providing rich depth to the cheese adding melty indulgence, every component adds balance in taste, texture, and color. Here’s the straightforward list to gather before you get started:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): Using cooked chicken saves time and ensures juicy, tender bites in every spoonful.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: This rice will absorb all the creamy flavors and create the perfect base texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Brings savory richness that forms the heart of the casserole’s creamy sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds complementary umami notes for depth and a smooth finish.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Enhances the chicken flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly within the casserole.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides just the right amount of creaminess without weighing down the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, enriching the casserole with gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For a subtle kick that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the creamy blend.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten every flavor.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping): Provides a delicate crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
- 2 tbsp butter (melted): Coats the breadcrumbs for a golden, irresistible crust.
How to Make Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with either cooking spray or a bit of butter. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out smoothly for serving.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk until you get a smooth, well-blended mixture. This creamy base is what infuses the rice and chicken with incredible flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Season and Mix in the Chicken
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture and give it another good stir. Then fold in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This ensures the chicken is evenly coated and ready to soak up all those cozy flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken and rice mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Smooth it out gently to create an even layer, setting the stage for delicious baking.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then scatter this mixture evenly across the cheesy layer. This combination will transform into a perfect golden crust during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking another 15 minutes or until the rice is tender, and the topping is beautifully golden and crispy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Step 7: Rest and Ready to Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly for a few minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors settle for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts the cozy richness of the casserole. You could also lash on some extra shredded cheddar for the cheese lovers at your table.
Side Dishes
This creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with bright, crisp sides such as a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or light steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. These sides offer a fresh balance and keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Alternatively, use it as a filling inside baked bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes for a charming presentation perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to four days, making it a great option for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe dish, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, give it extra time and cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just note that brown rice will take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and liquid amounts accordingly, or pre-cook the rice before assembling the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover chicken?
Yes, this casserole is a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Shredded or cubed leftovers work perfectly and add great flavor without extra effort.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup?
You can make a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk seasoned with chicken or vegetable broth to mimic the creamy texture and flavor, making the casserole just as good.
How can I make the casserole less rich?
Try using low-fat soups and reduced-fat cheese or decreasing the amount of cheese on top. Using less butter in the breadcrumb topping will also lighten up the dish without compromising texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect cozy dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly comforting, and sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, cheese, and fluffy rice baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it combines simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying dish with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole to add a rich cheesy crust.
- Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It pairs well with fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute the cream soups with homemade sauce for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the mix.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture.
