Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole – Comfort Food Made Easy
Few dishes bring comfort to the table like a creamy rice and chicken casserole. This hearty, family-friendly recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce baked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that warms your home with savory aromas and makes everyone gather around the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even Sunday dinner, this casserole is simple to prepare and delivers big on flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Rice – In a saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is just tender.
- Make Creamy Base – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and seasonings.
- Mix the Casserole – Stir in the cooked rice, chicken, onion, peas, carrots, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Mix until evenly coated.
- Assemble – Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with extra cheese. If using breadcrumbs, toss them with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy on top.
- Serve – Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Tips & Variations
- Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions instead of breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and light cream soups.
- Gluten-Free: Swap canned soups with gluten-free versions and use GF breadcrumbs.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce milk for a lower-carb version.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and coconut cream.
- No-Canned Option: Make homemade cream soups using chicken stock, milk, and cornstarch for a cleaner version.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy rice and chicken casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead recipe—perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this casserole is proof that classic home cooking never goes out of style.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze chicken and rice casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Q3: Do I have to use cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken is recommended to ensure even cooking. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully.
Q4: Can I substitute brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Alternatively, cook it separately before adding.
Q5: How can I make it creamier?
Add extra sour cream, cream cheese, or a splash of heavy cream to the mixture.
