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
Scale
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.
