Cozy Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable chicken and rice casserole that promises warmth with every spoonful.

Walking into a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic flavors that instantly make you feel at home.

Busy weeknight warriors will adore how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing incredible taste.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy rice and a velvety sauce that hugs each ingredient.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients and allowing them to meld beautifully during baking.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a meal everyone will request again and again.

Grab your favorite baking dish and let’s create something truly memorable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Feels Like Comfort In A Bowl

• Comfort Food Champion: This casserole wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors that feel like a hug from grandma's kitchen, blending creamy textures with hearty chicken and rice.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Hero: Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritionally Balanced One-Dish Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables for nutrients, and a satisfying breadcrumb topping that adds delightful crunch to every single bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily customizable with different vegetables or cheese options, ensuring it appeals to picky eaters and becomes a reliable go-to recipe for any gathering.

Ingredients Needed For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor to the casserole, best when pre-cooked and shredded.

• Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that provides rich texture and depth of flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that melt beautifully and add richness.

• Rice: Uncooked rice that absorbs liquid and creates a comforting base for the casserole.

• Peas, Carrots: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and sweet, earthy notes.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that enhances overall taste profile.

• Breadcrumbs or Ritz Crackers: Crunchy element that provides textural contrast.
• Butter: Helps bind and brown the topping for a golden finish.

How To Make Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Uncooked rice
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

• Tender cooked chicken
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Nutty Parmesan cheese
• Sweet green peas
• Crunchy carrots

Step 3: Build Your Comfort Dish

Pour the glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets maximum flavor.

Step 4: Craft a Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this golden, crispy mixture across the top of your casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 more minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and tender rice.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your masterpiece sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the casserole to set and makes serving a breeze. Dig in and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Success

• Customize Your Crunch: Swap breadcrumbs with panko or crushed cornflakes for a different textural experience and added crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk and cream of chicken soup with coconut milk and dairy-free cream soup alternatives to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Veggie Boost: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more vibrant color in the casserole.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein for variety and dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, which helps develop deeper flavor profiles.

Storing And Reheating Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Made Easy

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store remaining casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze Portions: Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label containers with date of preparation.
• Reheat in Oven: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

What Goes Well With Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the dish's richness and enhance its subtle flavors.
• Serve with Zesty Green Salad: Balance the casserole's creamy texture with a bright, tangy side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. The fresh acidity will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add Roasted Garlic Bread: Provide a crunchy accompaniment that soaks up the casserole's delicious sauce. Slice a French baguette, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, and toast until golden brown for the perfect side.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: End the meal with a light, palate-cleansing dessert. A lemon or orange sorbet will provide a refreshing contrast to the casserole's hearty, creamy profile.

Easy Variations On Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Replace peas and carrots with corn, black beans, and diced green chiles. Add taco seasoning and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Swap out cream of chicken soup for Greek yogurt. Mix in dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle feta cheese on top instead of cheddar.
• Mushroom Wild Rice Fusion: Use a blend of wild and white rice. Add sautéed mushrooms and thyme. Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken Casserole: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil into the base. Use green onions and water chestnuts for texture. Top with crispy wonton strips instead of traditional breadcrumbs.

FAQs About Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and baking time. Pre-cook the brown rice partially before mixing it into the casserole to ensure it becomes tender during baking.

• Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen peas and carrots work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them slightly before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. The goal is to maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile of the dish.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.

Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and rice casserole nestles comfort and flavor in one delicious dish, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, creamy sauce. Warm, satisfying layers promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (450 g / 16 ounces) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (200 g) uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen peas
• ½ cup (75 g) diced carrots

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fluid ounces) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fluid ounces) whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

• ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, harmonize uncooked rice with chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, and a symphony of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in tender, shredded chicken, creating a rich medley with sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, vibrant peas, and sweet carrots.
3. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even landscape across the surface.
4. Craft a crispy crown by combining breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) with molten butter. Delicately scatter this golden topping across the casserole’s surface, promising a delightful crunch.
5. Drape the dish with aluminum foil, allowing it to bake for 40 minutes in the warm embrace of the oven. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and perfectly tender rice.
6. Allow the casserole a brief moment of rest, 5-10 minutes, to settle and collect its flavors before serving this comforting creation.

Notes

• Customize rice by using brown rice for added nutrition, which takes longer to cook so adjust liquid and baking time accordingly.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for topping.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium chicken broth and replacing some salt with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with firm tofu, plant-based chicken alternatives, or increasing vegetable quantities like mushrooms and zucchini for protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg